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USC sport scientist in the swim in Rio
A University of the Sunshine Coast academic and former world-class swimmer has been selected to help our national team race for glory at the International Paralympic Committee World Short Course Championships in Brazil.
Swimming Australia has appointed USC Associate Professor Brendan Burkett, an expert in biomechanics, as the sport scientist for the competition in Rio de Janeiro from 29 November to 5 December.
“It’s always exciting to represent your country and put into practice what we do here at the University,” said Dr Burkett.
The four-time Paralympic swimmer and world record holder has travelled internationally in similar roles since 2001, including to Beijing last September with the Australian Paralympic swim team.
He said times set during the world championships in the 25m pool would be a good gauge for next year’s Commonwealth Games and the London Olympics in 2012.
Dr Burkett will be coordinating activities for the 16-strong team before, during and after their races.
“First I’ll be monitoring their home training across Australia from the Sippy Downs campus,” he said. “Then I’ll join the head coach in Brazil from 22 November to organise things in the village, such as menus and nutrition, support staff, physio.
“When they’re competing we’ll record and analyse every race to give feedback between heats and finals. The last phase is monitoring post-race recovery such as blood, heart and hydration levels.”
A USC postgraduate student will be chosen to accompany Dr Burkett to gain practical international experience and do research.
“The ongoing relationship between USC and Swimming Australia gives us access to elite swimming data to continue our research in this area,” he said.
“We’ll be looking at the specifics of short course swimming, which involves more underwater and turning skills. It’s used a lot in America’s college system which is why they’re No. 1 in relays.”
— Julie Gatehouse