30 March 2017: Olympic race walker and Indigenous woman Beki Smith will be unveiled as the University of Canberra’s 2017 Athlete in Residence TOMORROW.
Mrs Smith will work side by side with staff and students, giving them an opportunity to learn from her experiences as a professional athlete. The Olympian will be involved in projects embedded within a host of disciplines and across all faculties.
Now in its third year, the Athlete in Residence program is a cross-university initiative led by the Faculty of Health. It aims to enrich staff and students’ experiences by giving them access to elite Australian sportsmen and sportswomen.
Mrs Smith said she was honoured to take on the position in 2017.
“It’s a huge privilege to be stepping into this role,” the Yuin woman said. “I’m excited to be able to share my learnings and experiences as a professional athlete with students wanting to forge a career in the industry.
“I want to inspire and motivate people to challenge themselves and achieve their goals.”
Mrs Smith, 30, grew up in Western Sydney and started race walking when she was 10 years old.
Her breakthrough performance came at the Australian Race Walking Championships in 2011, where she recorded her first Olympic qualifying time. She made her Olympic debut the following year, finishing 28th in the 20-kilometre walk in London.
Mrs Smith was a member of the Australian historic silver medal-winning team in the 20-kilometre walk at the 2016 IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships. She is currently preparing for the IAAF World Championships in London later this year.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) Professor Nick Klomp said the University was proud to provide these learning opportunities for staff and students.
“The University of Canberra is committed to developing its reputation as a leading tertiary sports institution and the Athlete in Residence program will contribute to achieving that goal,” Professor Klomp said.
“It brings the University great joy to be able to offer staff and students the chance to learn from elite sportspeople. This program helps the University develop relationships with external organisations and enhances our education, research and collaboration activities.”
Professor Klomp said Mrs Smith’s appointment was also aligned with the University’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of Indigenous students.
“As an Indigenous athlete Beki will help highlight and broaden the University’s appreciation of the experiences and contribution of Indigenous people as well as their sporting achievements,” he said.
“We welcome Beki as our 2017 Athlete in Residence and look forward to working with her.”
Mrs Smith is the University’s third Athlete in Residence. Track and field athlete Melissa Breen and five-time Paralympian Richard Nicholson have previously held the position.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919