Griffith University is basking in the glow of sporting excellence as a stunning number of its student athletes and University Swim Club members have secured their places on the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Swim Teams for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In an outstanding achievement, 14 Griffith University student-athletes have already been selected for the Olympic Games in various sports. Additionally, the recent announcement of the swimming teams after selection trials has further solidified Griffith University’s reputation as a powerhouse in competitive swimming and undisputed leader in university sports through Griffith Sports College.
11 of its swimmers, comprising 8 students and 3 swim club members, have been named in the Australian Olympic Swim Team, which consists of 44 swimmers in total. This impressive representation means that a quarter of the Olympic swim team has ties to Griffith. Swim Club mentor and coach Michael Bohl OAM has also been named in the selected coaching staff to travel with the team to Paris
The selected swimmers are:
- Jack Cartwright (current student)
- Jenna Forrester (current student)
- Shayna Jack (current student)
- Moesha Johnson (Griffith swimmer)
- Cameron McEvoy (Griffith alumnus)
- Emma McKeon AM(Griffith alumna and Griffith swimmer)
- Kaylee McKeown OAM (Griffith swimmer)
- Lani Pallister (current student and Griffith swimmer)
- Brendon Smith (Griffith swimmer)
- Zac Stubblety-Cook (current student)
- Kai Taylor (current student)
Griffith University’s presence is equally formidable in the Paralympic arena. Out of 30 swimmers selected for the Australian Paralympic Team, three are from Griffith University, underscoring the institution’s significant contribution to para sports. The athletes are:
- Tom Gallagaher (current student)
- Katja Dedekind (current student)
- Rowan Crothers (alumnus)
Naomi McCarthy OAM, Griffith Sports College Manager, expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of the athletes.
“We are incredibly proud of our swimmers who have been selected for the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams. Having 25% of the Olympic swim team and 10% of the Paralympic swim team associated with Griffith University is a testament to the dedication and talent of our student-athletes, as well as the exceptional support and training provided by our university and sports programs.
“This is a significant achievement not only for the athletes but for the entire Griffith community. Our swimmers have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and excellence, and we are thrilled to support them on their journey to Paris 2024.”
The university’s success in nurturing elite athletes is evident not only in swimming but across various sports. With several sports yet to finalise their selections for Paris 2024, Griffith University anticipates even more athletes joining the prestigious ranks of Olympians and Paralympians.
As the excitement builds for the Paris 2024 Games, Griffith University stands proud, celebrating the exceptional talent and hard work of its athletes who continue to shine on the world stage.
