In Principio August 2017

BRIANNA THROSSELL BACHELOR OF PHYSIOTHERAPY / PRE-MEDICINE CERTIFICATE FREMANTLE CAMPUS Brianna Throssell flew the Australian flag with pride at the 2017 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro – making her first Olympic final in the 200m Butterfly. After finishing third in both her heat and semi-finals, Brianna placed eighth in the final against the world’s best with a time of 2:07.87. The result capped a successful 12-months for Brianna who in 2016 won a silver medal in the 200m Butterfly at the Australian Nationals. Now, she is firmly focussed on representing Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. “When you find something you love and enjoy doing, you can overcome challenges that arise. I’ve been swimming my whole life. I love the atmosphere of an aquatic centre and when you start to get results, the positive energy spurs you on,” Brianna said. Photo: Swimming WA NATALIE FARDELLA BACHELOR OF EDUCATION FREMANTLE CAMPUS Natalie Fardella is making waves internationally in the up-and-coming sport of Synchronised Skating. A hybrid of figure skating, pairs skating and cheerleading, Synchronised Skating features teams of 12-16 working in unison to present formations, spins, lifts and complex footwork with high levels of artistic skill. After taking top spot at the 2016 Australiannationalcompetition,Natalie and her team, Ice Synchro WA, finished 15th at the 2017 World Championships in Colorado Springs, USA, in April. Now she has turned her attention to coaching, training young skaters for their chance to compete in the Synchronised Skating competition at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. “I hope to give back to the sport that has provided me with an incredible opportunity. In my coaching role I hope I can inspire future skaters to achieve their hopes and dreams,” Natalie said. Photo: Ice Synchro WA NATHAN WILLIAMSON BACHELOR OF HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION FREMANTLE CAMPUS Nathan Williamson scored a goal of his own when he was appointed a national umpire for the AFL. Fittingly for the West Australian, he made his debut in the 2017 season opener between the Fremantle Dockers and Geelong Cats in Perth. Nathan has since been appointed to regular AFL games across Australia – stepping onto the hallowed turf of the MCG for the first time during the second-round clash between Melbourne and Carlton in April. Nathan’s talent was first recognised in 2013 when he was named as a field umpire for the 2013 WAFL Colts Grand Final. He then umpired the U18s National Championship in 2014 and received his National Officiating Scholarship in 2015. “Umpiring as another pathway to experiencing the greatest game in the world and through it I’ve learnt how to deal with pressurised situations, difficult decision-making, and setbacks. It’s made me far more resilient in my personal life,” Nathan said. F E A T U R E I N P R I N C I P I O | 2 2 NOTRE DAME’S SPORTS STARS SHINE ON WORLD STAGE

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDAwODk3