Aussies in University link up for Olympics

The Australian Olympic Judo Team has arrived at the University of Wolverhampton for its pre-games training camp.

Six competitors and four coaches are based at the University’s Walsall Sports Centre for a week in the run up to London 2012.

The Walsall Campus is a British Judo Association High Performance Centre and was chosen by the Australian team ahead of five others.

The team is training daily at the sports centre and is based at the University’s on site student village. They will travel to the Olympic village in London next week.

Dave Elmore, judo development officer at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “There has been a lot of planning involved but it’s great to have finally got them here and using the facilities.

“It’s really good for the University, for people from our judo club and other local clubs to see up close competitors who are going to be involved in the Olympics so they can learn from them.

“Hopefully it can raise the profile of judo in the Black Country with a view to encouraging more people to take part and we can see some of our own competitors at future games.”

Stewart Brain, Head Coach for the Australian Judo Team, said: “It’s been great since we got here and I couldn’t ask for more in the terms of the facilities and the welcome we’ve received.

“As coach you want to be able to come somewhere and not have to worry about any of the logistics and we haven’t. It should be a great week.

“I’ve been really impressed I would have no hesitation coming back for the Commonwealth Games.”

Jake Andrewartha (22) is competing in the +100kg category at his first OIympics. He said: “I arrived early so will have been here two weeks and it’s been fantastic.

“All the coaches here help really push you and you’d be hard pressed to find facilities as good as the ones here at the University back in Australia.”

Members of the University of Wolverhampton Judo Club and other clubs in the Black Country area have been involved in providing training partners for the Australian team.

ENDS

Picture Caption: Members of the Australian Olympic Judo Team with Dave Elmore of the University of Wolverhampton.

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