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Battle for USC’s Greatest Female Athlete
Which sport produces the fittest female athlete?
Elite sportswomen from across the region are preparing to pit their will and skill against each other as part of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Greatest Female Athlete Competition on Wednesday 9 March.
Competitors confirmed so far include USC students Alyce Burnett (kayaking, ski paddling), Rebecca Wolno (touch football), Emma McKenzie (basketball, surf lifesaving), Chloe Turner (triathlon) and Amy Thompson (swimming, lifesaving).
Alyce Burnett, 18, of Twin Waters, is looking forward to the good-natured rivalry in what will be a pivotal year for her kayaking dreams.
“I’m studying a Bachelor of Journalism at USC part-time this semester so I can fit in all my sporting commitments,” said the Australian Institute of Sport member, who last year made the Australian Open and Junior Kayak teams.
“I’ve got national selections in a few weeks, then I head to Europe in May for world cups and Hungary in August for world championships. I’m hoping to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in the K4 and K1.”
The long-time Maroochy Surf Club member, who will compete in the national surf life saving titles at Kurrawa in April, said the USC contest would be a great opportunity to meet fellow students who loved sport.
“There’s no water event and I don’t have the best ball skills, but hopefully my surf background and fitness will help me wing it,” she said.
In preparation for the showdown, Alyce faced off against USC Arts (Design and Communication) student Rebecca Wolno, 20, of Peregian Beach.
Rebecca, a Sunshine Coast representative touch football player who hopes to compete for Queensland, will make the most of her speed, handling skills and fancy footwork at this inaugural event.
The USC Greatest Female Athlete Competition, to be held from 9am on 9 March inside and outside the USC Gymnasium, will test a variety of skills from rowing to European handball.
It will be a highlight of Sport For Women Week at USC, with events from 7-11 March ranging from a breakfast boot camp to twilight touch football.
USC Sports Officer Rachel Dickinson, also an elite kayaker, encouraged women of all ages on campus to become more active and try something new.
“There will be ‘come and try’ sessions of European handball, basketball, yoga, volleyball, FUTSAL, Zumba and triathlon,” she said.
“The Greatest Female Athlete competition will be an opportunity to showcase the amazing sporting talents we have here at USC and we urge everyone to show their support.”
USC Sport and the Uni Club provide sporting activities and facilities for students and staff throughout the year, from exercise and yoga classes to hosting University Games events.
Australia’s Sport for Women Day is officially on Sunday 6 March this year. It aims to celebrate women in sport, raise the profile of women’s sport and encourage more young women to participate in sport throughout their lives.
– Julie Gatehouse