A total of 85 NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holders will compete at the 2012 London Olympic Games, which begin on Saturday morning, Sydney-time.

A total of 86 NSWIS athletes were selected on the Australian Olympic Team, however only 85 will compete following Shane Rose’s withdrawal earlier this week. The Institute’s contribution equates to nearly 21 per cent of the Australian Olympic Team.

NSWIS athletes brought home three gold, four silver and five bronze medals from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Interestingly, 85 NSWIS athletes also competed at the Beijing Games, and this year there are several chances to match or improve upon the results of four years ago.

James Magnussen will spearhead the NSWIS contingent as he targets a potential four gold medals, while other contenders include Matthew Mitcham, Melissa Wu (diving), Kaarle McCulloch (cycling), Edwina Alexander (equestrian), Tom Slingsby, Malcolm Page, Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen (sailing). The NSWIS is also strongly represented in rowing (12 athletes), track & field (11 athletes), water polo (10 athletes) and hockey (nine athletes).

NSWIS Chief Executive Charles Turner, a three time water polo Olympian, is confident that all NSWIS athletes will continue the Institute’s proud history of Olympic success.

“Our athletes have achieved great things at Olympic level, and I have no doubt the Olympians from 2012 will add to our achievements,” Turner said.

“We certainly have a number of medal chances in London that we will watch with interest, but to compete at an Olympic Games is a feat that each athlete should be proud of. On behalf of the Institute I would like to congratulate those athletes on what they have accomplished."