USQ student to compete in Beijing

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) student and Taekwondo champion Tina Morgan is all set to compete in the Beijing Olympics in August this year.

Currently ranked number one in her division in Australia, Tina has a hectic few months of training and preparations ahead of her in the lead up to the games.

'For the next 80 days we will be based in Canberra at the AIS training six days a week,' Tina said.

'About 8 to 12 athletes from different countries will be coming in to be our training partners.'

Tina said she is thrilled to represent her country for the second time at an Olympic Games.

'I truly feel honoured to be representing Australia again,' she said.

'In Athens I felt the pressure of competing on such a big stage but now having had that experience and also having seen Beijing prior to going, I feel more prepared and ready to fight.'

The challenges Tina has faced over the past year have shaped her to be stronger and more ready for the Games, she said.

'It is different being told a second time around you are on the team. There was less excitement for me but a greater sense of self satisfaction that I had overcome major injuries and made it back to the top of my sport in a year.

'I feel more determined than ever to go out in August and give the best performance I can.'

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of General Studies, Tina hopes to state honours in Psychology next year after the Games.

'It's certainly an art to balance study and training!' she said.

'I think if you just dedicate yourself to what you need to do you can achieve results.'

Support Tina has received from USQ's Elite Athlete Program and the AIS has assisted in achieving her goals, she said.

'The program gives a bit more flexibility in getting work done. They are very appreciative of the workload athletes like myself are under.

'The Athlete Career and Education Officer here at the AIS has also helped me significantly organise my time.'

Tina will complete a blog in the lead up to the Games. To support her in her preparations visit the website http://www.tinamorgan.blogspot.com.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559