UQ awards 2012 sporting scholarships

The University of Queensland announced its 2012 sporting scholarships at a special lunch at last Thursday (29th March).
The lunch not only introduced new scholarship holders to sponsors and UQ staff but showcased a special panel discussion, giving guests an insight into the life of an aspiring professional athlete trying to balance training and study.
Among the athletes present during the panel discussion was Paralympian Brenden Hall, who recently smashed his own 400 metre Multi-Class world record by more than two seconds at the Australian Swimming Titles held in Adelaide.
Hall said he was grateful UQ had provided him with the opportunity to complete his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences along with a base to train at, stating "it is really valuable having the pool at UQ, it means that I don't have to travel far to do my training.
"If I am in the middle of exams it really helps having everything in such close proximity.
"Training 36-40 hours a week and doing university can be a difficult task but somehow I manage to get it done.
"I have made it into the shadow squad for the 2012 London Paralympics, so things are going well but it will be even better once the team is confirmed in June."
Hall isn't the only scholarship holder preparing for Olympic selection.
UQ physiotherapy student Caitlin Sargent is vying for a spot on the women's athletics team in her favoured event, the 400 metre.
Sargent competed at last year's IAAF World Athletics Championships and is hopeful of either qualifying individually or as part of the 4x400 metre relay team.