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Beijing bound Business student rallies for Olympic badminton glory
As one half of Australia’s Badminton women’s doubles pairing, Beijing bound Business student Tania Luiz was understandably all smiles and gratitude as she received her $2500 sponsorship cheque for Olympic expenses from Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, Colin Clark, last week. But Tania gave Professor Clark no quarter in return as the pair took to the court for a quick set; the Dean lunging and scampering about after her expertly placed lobs and drop shots, demonstrating the tough competitive streak that had taken the Gardenvale girl to Olympic glory. Complimenting the Dean on his flick of the racquet, Tania believes he could be a contender. “Absolutely!” she laughed. “But perhaps if he got out of his suit first!” For his part, Professor Clark was quick to celebrate Tania’s achievement. “Getting selected to represent Australia at the Olympic Games is a great honour and testament to the dedication and commitment she’s shown, especially while studying full time as well,” he said. “But we’re all very proud of Tania here at the Faculty of Business and Law, so it’s great that the Faculty can also help her out financially.” Tania paid tribute to the generosity of sponsors, including the Faculty of Business and Law and the Sport and Fitness section of Student Services, who jointly provided the $2500 cheque. “I’ve been so fortunate to have sponsorship – it makes all the difference,” she said. “I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do what I’ve done without sponsors’ help.” Sponsorship makes it possible not only for Tania to go to Beijing, but also for her Mother, Brother and Partner to be there too, for which she’s especially grateful. “I wouldn’t be here without them either; no athlete can get to this level without their support.” Looking ahead to Saturday’s crunch clash with the highly rated Japanese pair, Tania remains upbeat, although she recognises that qualification for the next round will be a tough ask. “Our goal is just to get through the first round, and then we’ll see what happens," she said. “But the Japanese pair are handy, to say the least, although I’d rather be playing them than the Chinese.” Whatever happens though, Tania aims to enjoy the games to the full and after her event is over will join the Aussie cheer squad to provide raucous support for teammates in other sports. “I’m very keen to see the hockey, so I’m sure we’ll get behind them, make some noise and have a bit of a party,” she said. “Though there’ll be no boozing for us, so maybe we’ll bring a keg of PowerAde.” Beijing just marks the latest stop on the road to recovery for Tania after a major knee ligament reconstruction late last year, though her rehabilitation has been swift. But with the University Games approaching in late September, this year to be held in Melbourne, the Olympics almost represent a training hit out. “I’ll see how I go at the Olympics and if the knee holds up – be a good warm up for the Uni Games!” she said. Scott Cashmere, Sport Development Officer with VU Sport and Fitness, is understandably keen for Tania to come through the Olympics unscathed and ready for the University Games. “We still have to hold our trials of course, but we’re trying to get our Olympians in for the Uni Games,” he said. “Tania is a really good chance for the Uni Games, but we’ll just see how she comes through the Olympics.” But the Olympics are of course the real deal and after all the build up, Tania can’t wait to pull on her Australian kit and get out and play, though she feels no butterflies as yet. “It’s not nervousness, but just excitement,” she said. “Once you get your gear, get the green and gold on, you take on a whole new responsibility. You represent so much more than what you’re used to – it’s a great feeling and a great honour.” Follow this link to visit Tania's Official Olympic Profile.
Last reviewed:
8/8/2008
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