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The University of Western Australia boasts its biggest-ever Olympic contingent, with four students and five graduates set to represent Australia in Beijing and one graduate representing Zimbabwe.

They are:  students Jamie Beadsworth (water polo) of Nedlands, Fergus Kavanagh (hockey) of Willetton, Kobie McGurk (hockey) of Willetton and Jeremy Stevenson (rowing) of Mosman Park;  and graduates Teneal Attard (hockey) of Rivervale, David Dennis (rowing) of Mount Claremont, Frank Murray (coach, women's hockey) of Bullcreek, Tim Neesham (water polo) of Attadale and Kylie Wheeler (heptathlon) of Girrawheen.

Kylie Wheeler, David Dennis and Tim Neesham are competing in their second Olympics.

In addition, Sports Science graduate Chris Felgate, of Connolly, is a triathlete representing his native Zimbabwe.

"These young people deserve the sincere congratulations of not just their University, but of the nation," UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson, said.

"Whether they win gold medals or not, their achievement is great.  They are proof that a university experience is much more than just a training ground for employment.  We want our students to be engaged with the University not only in the classroom but also in cultural, social and, of course, sporting activities."

The University's biggest representation before the 2008 Olympics was at the Athens Games (2004), at which six students and graduates took part.

Professor Robson said the late Shirley de la Hunty, a triple Olympic gold medallist and UWA graduate, was a great inspiration to the current team.

Media references

Simone Hewett / Sally-Ann Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8) 6488 7977
(+61 4) 20 790 097 / (+61 4) 20 790 098