Resilience the common denominator for ACU 11

ACU’s electric 11 have been lauded for their unbreakable spirit as they prepare to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Four-time Paralympic swimmer Brenden Hall and Rio rugby sevens gold medallist Emma Tonegato are among 11 current and former students who will represent ACU in Japan at the Summer Games from 23 July.

In congratulating the contingent, ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis praised the resilience of the medal hopefuls, most of whom have had their lives turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hall was just 15 when he attended his first Games at Beijing in 2008 and is now one of Australia’s most seasoned Paralympians. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy student is striving to add to his three gold, one silver and two bronze medals in Tokyo.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy student Tonegato made history five years ago as a member of Australia’s gold medal winning women’s sevens team. The 26-year-old overcame a serious shoulder injury to be one of five Rio Olympians returning for Australia’s gold medal defence.

ACU will be well represented in the hockey, with alumni Rachel Lynch (Bachelor of Nursing) and assistant coach Katie Allen (Bachelor of Psychological Science) selected for the two-time Olympic champion team Hockeyroos.

Among those on Olympic debut this year will be rower and Elite Athlete and Performer Program member Rowena Meredith.

Born in England and raised in Sydney, she will race in Australia’s women’s quadruple scull after a gruelling two-year qualification period.

“It’s been a bumpy road,” the Bachelor of Paramedicine student said. “But it’s a huge relief to qualify and I’m excited to step over that last hurdle into the next chapter of my career.”

ACU’s Tokyo 2020 Olympians and Paralympians

Reba Stewart (Taekwondo, Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science), Rowena Meredith (Rowing, Bachelor of Paramedicine), Emma Tonegato (Seven Rugby, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy), Anabelle Smith (Diving, Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, alumnus), Rachel Lynch (Hockey, Bachelor of Nursing, alumnus), Paul Adams (Shooting, Bachelor of Nursing, alumnus), Elle Armit (Water Polo, Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, alumnus), Katie Allen (Hockey, Bachelor of Psychological Science, alumnus), Melissa (Milly) Tapper (Olympic and Paralympic Team, Table Tennis, Bachelor of Exercise Science, alumnus), Brenden Hall (Swimming, Bachelor of Physiotherapy), Ellie Cole (Swimming, Bachelor of Exercise and Health Science, alumnus).

Viewing guide

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be broadcast by the Seven Network across their three television channels, Channel Seven, 7Mate and 7Two, and streamed via the 7Plus website or app.

Saturday 24 July (All times are listed in AEST)

• Rowena Meredith, Women's Four Heats, 0930–1330
• Elle Armit, Australia v Canada, 1500–1750
• Milly Tapper, Mixed Doubles, Round of 16, 1000–1345

Sunday 25 July

• Paul Adams, Mens Skeet Qualification, 1000–1700
• Rachel Lynch, Australia v Spain, 1100–1445

Monday 26 July

• Paul Adams, Mens Skeet Qualification and Finals, 1000–1815
• Rachel Lynch, Australia v China, 1100–1445
• Elle Armit, Australia v Netherlands, 1920–2210

Tuesday 27 July

• Reba Stewart, Women 67+, 1100–1800

Wednesday 28 July

• Rachel Lynch , Australia v Japan, 1930–2315

Thursday 29 July

• Rachel Lynch, Australia v New Zealand, 2000–2345
• Emma Tonegato, Australia v Japan, 1000–1300
• Emma Tonegato, Australia v China, 1730–2030

Friday 30 July

• Anabelle Smith, Womens 3m Springboard Prelim, 1600–1830
• Emma Tonegato, Australia v USA, 1000–1300
• Emma Tonegato, Quarterfinals & Placing, 1730–2030
• Elle Armit, Australia v Spain 1920–2210

Saturday 31 July

• Rachel Lynch, Australia v Argentina, 1030–1415

Sunday 1 August

• Elle Armit, Australia v South Africa, 1920–2010