UNSW : Media

Commerce student Scott Kneller to represent Australia at the Winter Olympics
Australian School of Business student, Scott Kneller, has been selected to represent Australia at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Mr Kneller will compete in the new event of Ski-cross, which combines freestyle skiing with competitive downhill racing, on 21 February.

“I have always dreamt of representing Australia at the Olympics, I can't believe it has become a reality. It is an amazing feeling knowing that all the hard work I have devoted to this sport was worth it,” said Mr Kneller.

Mr Kneller is one of thirty-eight athletes to be selected to represent Australia at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Professor Alec Cameron, Dean of the Australian School of Business, congratulated Scott on his selection, and wished him success at the Games.

“To reach Olympic level takes a great deal of commitment, dedication and hard work. I congratulate Scott on achieving his long held goal and wish him every success in his event,” said Professor Cameron.

Mr Kneller nearly missed out on selection due to a crash while competing in St Johann, Austria. He broke his collarbone, which put him on the sideline for the last two qualifying events in France.

“The last couple of weeks have been the most stressful of my life, anxiously awaiting my selection. It came down to the wire but I got there in the end and I think it makes the victory that much better,” said Mr Kneller.

Mr Kneller is studying a combined Bachelor of Commerce / Engineering degree and is a recipient of the UNSW Ben Lexcen Sports Scholarship, which provides support for elite athletes to combine their studies with training and competition schedules.

“The UNSW Elite Athlete Program has provided me with the help and knowledge to pursue both my sporting career and my university studies,” said Mr Kneller.

“Thank you to everyone for your support. I wouldn’t be here without you. I’ll do Australia proud,” he said.