Students among medal hopefuls at Commonwealth Games

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Students among medal hopefuls at Commonwealth Games

University of Auckland students feature strongly in New Zealand’s gold medal hopes as the 2018 Commonwealth Games begin on the Gold Coast.

Six students bring a mix of experience and emerging talent to the kiwi contingent.

Pole-vaulter Eliza McCartney, who is completing a Bachelor of Science in Physiology, will be hoping to add to her medal haul.

Eliza is a member of the University’s High Performance Support Programme, which assists elite athletes to maintain academic success whilst competing and training in their chosen sport.

"It is really positive for the students involved in sport and takes some of the pressure off balancing studies as well as sports commitments," Eliza says.

Rising netball star Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, 21, is studying towards a Bachelor of Physical Education. She has had a huge year already, being selected for the Silver Ferns and the Commonwealth Games, while completing her training to become a physical education teacher.

Auckland students are also strongly represented in hockey.

Women’s Black Sticks joint captain Stacey Michelsen (Law and Commerce) will be competing at her third successive Commonwealth Games, hoping to add to her silver medal from Delhi in 2010 and bronze in Glasgow in 2014.

She is joined by teammates Pippa Hayward (Law and Arts) and Madison Doar (Engineering).
At 18-years-of-age Madison is making her Commonwealth Games debut on top of beginning her Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree only six weeks ago. Hayward, 27, represented New Zealand at the Rio Olympics.

Law and Commerce student George Muir rounds out the University of Auckland students at the games, competing in the Men’s Black Sticks as a midfielder.

University of Auckland Sport Officer Tracey Spray says pursuing academic and sporting excellence is a challenging and worthwhile goal that the University wholeheartedly supports.

“These athletes are inspiring members of the University community. We are all incredibly proud to have these students representing New Zealand at such a high level while completing their degrees and will be cheering them on at the Games,” she says.

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