INTRODUCTION
You can’t look at the world’s most pivotal moments without knowing the name of at least one paramount figure involved. Change takes a lot to facilitate and it’s impossible to gauge the morale of the outcome until the dust has settled.
The actions of Alfred Deakin not only got a university named in his honour but also essentially birthed what we know as Australia, by leading the movement that would unite all the colonies into what’s now a whole country.
It makes sense then that Deakin University also shares the same enthusiasm, fronting the pack in its specialised front of sports science and related subjects.
WHAT IS THE SPORTS CULTURE LIKE AT DEAKIN?
Deakin boasts some elite-equipped facilities, including a 3-D motion analytics lab, climate chamber, specialist biomechanics and motor learning equipment. Truly amazing equipment students can use and learn from.
The university also has its own app students can use from home. This was especially helpful during the Covid pandemic. Serving as a well-being app it’s a way for students to keep fit from home or their accommodations.
It’s an amazing tool which links your smart wearable with their various programs, letting students find healthy recipes, keep in touch with instructors and even book future gym sessions. The app also features free online live classes, which run Monday to Friday, students can join in from their own living space.
SPORTING SUCCESS OF DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
- Student Isabella Nichols became a pro surfer and won the WSL Margaret River Pro competition at 24 and is one of the most promising stars in the professional surfing scene.
- Giving women a platform to have successful and fruitful careers in sports through sponsorship deals and the like. Having women’s sports broadcasted on TV more regularly, Australia has seen a surge of women participating in sports across the country.
- Students have gone on to Olympic and Paralympic Games, winning medals and striving into the top 10 best performances for their country in their respective sports to date.
IMPACT OF DEAKIN UNIVERSITY’S SPORTS CULTURE ON STUDENTS
Research conducted by the University shows that Australia has one of the least active populations in the world. Especially since the pandemic, it’s an issue that’s skyrocketed and now with things having some sense of normality about them, Deakin as well as other universities are looking to remedy this.
For students that are highly invested in sports as well as education, Deakin has something called Elite Athlete Friendly University. It’s on hand to assist those who have increased strain from their extracurricular activities. The university works in tandem with the student to curate specialised timelines, that are neither too encumbering nor allow pure focus on both sides the University has to offer.
It’s such an amazing dedication they have to their student’s well-being. Proving to ensure they’re looked after, encouraged to exercise and aware they aren’t alone if they’re struggling. Some of the biggest stressors amongst students come from them not having adequate time for all their responsibilities, something Deakin swears by.
CONCLUSION
And there you have it. A university established by a great man who’s regarded as one of Australia’s most influential figures, and a university stands bearing his name and an uncanny resemblance to leading the country forwards.
Thanks to the great student work and amazing research being done, Australia now has the groundwork to flourish on the sporting scene for all people. Unifying a nation through sport, mirroring the actions of the University’s namesake. We’re sure he’s smiling down on all their recent triumphs.
