20 August 2007 By Verena Stocker
Sydney University athletes have come away with gold and silver medals from the World University Games in Bangkok, with Melissa Smith, Georgia Woodyard, and Eva Afeaki earning gold as members of the all-conquering women’s basketball team swimmer Jonathon Newton claiming silver in the men’s 50m freestyle.
The Australian women’s basketball team saved their best for last in defeating Russia 85-65 in the gold medal decider. Sydney University Sports Scholarship holders Smith and Woodyard were key players in the grand final game, however Afeaki was unable to play the final due to a knee injury sustained in the semi-final over the Czech Republic.
The Australian’s all-round physical strength and superior shooting were evident throughout the game to register a dominant 20-point win.
Newton posted a career highlight in finishing second to Brazilian Nicholas Araujo Dias Dos Santos in the 50m freestyle.
Coached at the Sydney University Sports and Aquatic Centre pool by Australian coach Steve Alderman, Newton was pipped for the gold medal by only .11s.
Meanwhile, Sydney University’s Olympic swimming representative Michelle Englesman, who was co-captain of the Australian team at the 24th Universiade, finished 6th in the women’s 50m freestyle final.
Also in swimming, Tim Laforest claimed a fourth place as a member of the 4x100m freestyle relay team. The United States led the way to win the event by 2.51s, with Canada and Russia taking the minor places. Laforest also swam in the 4x100m medley relay team that finished 7th in the heat.
In other sports, Sydney University’s Justin Merlino finished eighth in the final of the 110m hurdles. Merlino finished second in his heat and fourth in his semi-final to earn a berth in the final, where he came up against the cream of hurdlers from around the world.
Middle-distance runner Lachlan Renshaw missed out on a quarter-final berth in the 800m when he finished fifth in his heat in Bangkok.
Sydney University was also represented in both the men’s and women’s diving events. Sports Scholarship holder Thomas Rickards competed in the men’s 1m springboard and finished in 22nd position.
Alexandra Croak had more success with a 7th place in the 10m platform behind Chinese gold medalist Lishi Lao. Croak also competed in the 1m springboard where she finished 15th.
Golfer Julia Boland also competed throughout the week and made the final round to finish 11+ with 83.
China won the overall Games medal tally with 87, including 32 gold, 29 silver and 26 bronze. Australia finished 14th with three gold medals.
