Monday, 28 November 2005

LUXFORD AND CONRAD TAKE OUT
NORTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORT TOP HONOURS

World number one triathlete, Annabel Luxford and World Champion Rower Sam Conrad, took out top honours at the DrinkSmart* Northern University Sport awards dinner.

Held at Chifley on Lennon, Luxford and Conrad were recognised for their outstanding performances in 2005 with both athletes winning the Single Best Sporting Achievement for a male and female, as well as the DrinkSmart* Sports Person of the Year (male and female) award.

Luxford, studying a Master of Applied Law at The University of Queensland was honoured by the recognition and paid tribute to Australian University Sport (AUS) and UQ Sport for the support provided while she balances her triathlon career and study.

“It is great to have support and recognition from organisations outside of Triathlon, study gives me a break from training and The University of Queensland assists me in balancing my study and training, which will prove vital in the lead up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne,” said Luxford.

After narrowing missing Olympic Selection 2004, Sam has proven his talent in 2005 by representing Australian and taking out Gold in the Men’s Pair at the 2005 World Championships in Japan.

“It was a little disappointing missing out on the 2004 Olympic Team, however now I am aiming for Beijing in 2008, and with the support of the UQ Boat Club, and UQ Sport I believe I will be representing Australian at the Olympics,” said Conrad.

Both Luxford and Conrad were in good company contesting the awards with swimmers Nicholas Sprenger (Queensland University of Technology) and Andrew Mewing ( University of Queensland) providing fierce competition for Conrad.

Cross Country Skiier Katie Calder ( University of New England) and World University Summer Games Diver Nicole Ng ( Griffith University) made up the female finalists.

Hosted by Swimming Australia’s Media Liaison Officer Ian Hanson, the awards were presented by World Champion Open Water Swimmer Josh Sanracaterina who was a former winner of a Sporting Blue at The University of Sydney.

Other awards presented during the night included the Overall Northern University Champions, Sport Blues recognising outstanding achievement in university sport, Coach of the Year, Service to Sport, Volunteer of the Year and Club/Team of the Year.

For further information please contact Jodie Taylor, Australian University Sport 0412 324 140.

2005 DrinkSmart* Northern University Sport Awards

2005 Northern University Overall Champion – Queensland University of Technology

2005 Northern University Overall Per Capita Champion – Griffith University Gold Coast