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Sport scientist gains national award
University of the Sunshine Coast sport scientist Associate Professor Brendan Burkett has earned another prestigious award for his contribution to swimming.
Dr Burkett received the 2009 Outstanding Service to Swimming Australia award at the annual Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) awards dinner on the Gold Coast on May 2.
The award recognises Dr Burkett’s contributions to sport science, including his work as Sports Science Coordinator for the Australian Paralympic swimming team in Beijing last year and at other Games.
It also pays tribute to his successful swimming career which spanned four Paralympic Games and three World Championships, and which included Dr Burkett winning numerous medals and setting several world records.
The ASCTA honour follows on from Dr Burkett’s induction into the Queensland Swimming Hall of Fame in December last year.
ASCTA is the national body for Australia's swimming coaches, and has about 1,200 members. Its top prize at the annual awards night, the Coach of the Year award, went to Stephanie Rice’s coach Michael Bohl.
Dr Burkett said the recognition from ASCTA highlighted that the University of the Sunshine Coast was linked to major sports training associations, including the Australian Institute of Sport and the Queensland Academy of Sport.
“These links provide USC students with opportunities to engage with top-level sporting organisations,” he said.
“It shows the credibility that our academic staff have in sport, that we’re not just theoretical, and that our research has practical applications.
“And it also shows the applicability of the knowledge that the students will learn at USC, and also provide for future learning and employment opportunities.”
— Terry Walsh