The University of Sydney Academic Excellence 2017 Finalists

The University of Sydney Academic Excellence Award is presented each year to an NSWIS athlete who is successfully balancing sporting success alongside academic achievements while studying at the University of Sydney, a strategic partner of the NSW Institute of Sport.

Previously awarded the athletes including Murray Stewart, Jessica Fox and Angela Ballard, the nominees for this year’s award are:

• Angus Armstrong (Athletics): The pole vaulter’s athletic highlight came with a top-five finish at the World University Games, all the while managing to maintain a distinction average while studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science part-time
• Hannah Buckling (Water Polo): Having already completed a medical degree, the Sydney Uni athlete continued her academic pursuits by studying a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine, as well as being an integral part of the Australian women’s water polo team that finished seventh at the FINA Aquatic World Championships
• Holly Crawford (Winter Sports): Academically, Crawford earned four distinctions from five subjects while studying a Masters Degree in Project Management, complementing her eighth place finish in the snowboard half-pipe at the Mammoth Mountain World Cup
• Noemie Fox (Canoe Slalom): World championship silver and U23 world championship bronze medals highlighted Fox’s canoe slalom results, while in the classroom the rising star managed to maintain a distinction average while studying a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications)
• Harriet Hudson (Rowing): The 19-year old SRC rower’s best result in the boat came at the World Rowing U23 Championships with silver in the quad scull, on the back of earning a credit average studying a Bachelor of Health Science
• Simon McTavish (Canoe Sprint): Studying a Bachelor of Project Management full-time, McTavish earned a distinction average from six subjects, complementing an eighth place finish in the K4 500m at the ICF U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships

“The University of Sydney prides itself on our history of sporting success. Supporting athletes to achieve excellence in their chosen academic field is a goal which is close to our heart, and sponsoring The University of Sydney Academic Excellence Award allows us to do just that” said Robert Smithies, Executive Director at Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness. 

“We’d like to wish the nominees the best of luck, for the award itself and in their studies.”