Photo: AAP
AUSTRALIAN Catholic University business student Mack Horton won Australia’s first gold medal of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Horton took out the 400m men’s freestyle swimming final in the early hours of last Sunday.
He held off defending Olympic champion Sun Yang, from China, to become the sixth Australian to win gold in the 400m freestyle, joining the likes of sporting greats Ian Thorpe and Murray Rose.
Capping off an amazing opening weekend in Rio for ACU, Exercise and Sports Science student Anabelle Smith produced a remarkable comeback performance in the diving pool to claim the bronze medal in the women’s synchronised 3m-springboard event.
ACU Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven congratulated both ACU students on their success in Rio.
“It is with immense pride that on behalf of all the ACU community, I congratulate Mack on becoming an Olympic gold medallist and Anabelle on her bronze medal, continuing Australia’s fine tradition of success in the pool,” Prof Craven said.
“As part of the Elite Athlete and Performer Program, Mack and Anabelle have been able to prepare for the Olympic Games while studying.
“EAPP provides athletes and performers like Mack and Anabelle with tremendous support so they can realise their dreams, and this is the perfect example.
“We wish Mack, Anabelle and the rest of our ACU students and alumni competing in Rio the best of luck for the remainder of the Olympic Games – we all will be cheering them on.”
