SPENCE CONGRATULATES QLD TRIATHLON HOPEFULS ON EARLY NOMINATION
Published Friday, 05 October, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Sport Minister Judy has congratulated long term Queensland Academy of Sport scholarship holders, Emma Snowsill and Courtney Atkinson, who have been named as two of the three athletes on Triathlon Australia’s “Early Nomination” list for the Beijing Olympics.
Ms Spence said the athletes, identified by the Elite Selection Committee, will now have the right to nominate for a position on the 2008 Australian Olympic team.
“Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) athletes continue to impress on the world sport stage and this latest announcement is testament to that,” Ms Spence said.
“This selection acknowledges the consistent performances of both Emma and Courtney over the past three years.
“These two athletes have repeatedly shown they are physically and emotionally ready to take on the challenges that the Beijing Olympic Games will present to them.”
Emma Snowsill is a three time Triathlon World Champion, and her regular podium finishes have proven her to be one of the best triathletes in the world.
Courtney Atkinson is one of only two Australian triathletes who have claimed victory in ITU World Cup races in 2006 and 2007, backed up by numerous top three finishes throughout the season. As a result of his efforts at the recent Olympic Test event in Beijing, Courtney has become somewhat of a specialist in Asian conditions.
“Consistent performances by both Emma and Courtney in the trying heat and humidity of Asian countries demonstrate to selectors their medal winning potential,” Ms Spence said.
“Continuing to perform at this high level leading towards the final selection date in July 2008 will certainly confirm their dominant position on the national and international stage, while also presenting themselves as Australia’s best chance to claim an Olympic Triathlon medal.
“Being nominated as possibilities at this early stage is not only an encouragement for the athletes; it also gives them the opportunity to step up their preparation in order to ensure peak performance in the lead up to the Beijing Olympic Games.
“I know these star athletes have the full support of the Queensland public, and we wish them the best of luck in their nominations.
“I have no doubt they would do an excellent job of representing this state and the Queensland Academy of Sport at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3239 6172
Ms Spence said the athletes, identified by the Elite Selection Committee, will now have the right to nominate for a position on the 2008 Australian Olympic team.
“Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) athletes continue to impress on the world sport stage and this latest announcement is testament to that,” Ms Spence said.
“This selection acknowledges the consistent performances of both Emma and Courtney over the past three years.
“These two athletes have repeatedly shown they are physically and emotionally ready to take on the challenges that the Beijing Olympic Games will present to them.”
Emma Snowsill is a three time Triathlon World Champion, and her regular podium finishes have proven her to be one of the best triathletes in the world.
Courtney Atkinson is one of only two Australian triathletes who have claimed victory in ITU World Cup races in 2006 and 2007, backed up by numerous top three finishes throughout the season. As a result of his efforts at the recent Olympic Test event in Beijing, Courtney has become somewhat of a specialist in Asian conditions.
“Consistent performances by both Emma and Courtney in the trying heat and humidity of Asian countries demonstrate to selectors their medal winning potential,” Ms Spence said.
“Continuing to perform at this high level leading towards the final selection date in July 2008 will certainly confirm their dominant position on the national and international stage, while also presenting themselves as Australia’s best chance to claim an Olympic Triathlon medal.
“Being nominated as possibilities at this early stage is not only an encouragement for the athletes; it also gives them the opportunity to step up their preparation in order to ensure peak performance in the lead up to the Beijing Olympic Games.
“I know these star athletes have the full support of the Queensland public, and we wish them the best of luck in their nominations.
“I have no doubt they would do an excellent job of representing this state and the Queensland Academy of Sport at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3239 6172