It's been a golden, silver and bronze Commonwealth Games for Queensland University of Technology (QUT) athletes in Delhi, with the university effectively finishing 14th on the medal tally.
QUT students, including victorious Hockeyroos captain Madonna Blyth, are bringing home a swag of medals - three gold, one silver and four bronze. The total medal count places the university higher on the unofficial medal tally than half of the competing Commonwealth nations.
As well as Blyth, Bronte Barrett won gold as part of the women's 4 x 200m freestyle swimming team, while Kyle Richardson was victorious with the men's 4 x 100m freestyle team. (A fourth gold was won by former QUT student Damon Kelly in the men's super heavyweight weightlifting.)
Bringing home silver and bronze is Christian Sprenger (men's 100m breaststroke, men's 200m breaststroke) with bronze also going to Olivia Wright (women's 3m springboard synchronised), Eloise Amberger (duet in synchronised swimming) and Melissa Gorman (women's 800m freestyle).
QUT finished ahead of countries such as Samoa, Wales and Jamaica.
For many, the Commonwealth Games clashed with assignment deadlines and exam dates, for which they gained extensions, so they'll have to hit the books and computer labs upon their return.
The athletes' achievements were possible in part thanks to the support of QUT's Elite Athlete Program, which provides them with financial support and flexible study options.
QUT Elite Athlete Program administrator Elizabeth Eden was extremely proud of this year's result.
"We were so excited to hear of our students' success at the Games, especially when realising QUT had surpassed its medal tally from 2006, when they brought home a total of four medals," she said.
"We hope that the program has helped the athletes reach their sporting potential, by assisting them to juggle their academic workload with training and competition commitments."
Not all QUT athletes had the success they craved. Nick D'Arcy was a gold medal favourite in the men's 200m butterfly, but unfortunately failed to qualify for the final.
Media contact: Michaela Ryan, QUT media officer, 07 3138 4494 or michaela.ryan@qut.edu.au
