UC alumni represent NZ at Rio Olympics 2016   11 Aug 2016

UC alumni represent NZ at Rio Olympics 2016

The University of Canterbury is proud to be associated with the New Zealand Olympic team, with 14 past or present students competing in the Rio Games.

As well as such illustrious alumni as triathlete Andrea Hewitt (BCom) and rower John Storey (BE Hons), current student and athletics star Angie Petty is competing in this year’s Games.

UC graduates have been involved in two silver medal successes so far – UC Arts alumna Ruby Tui and UC Commerce alumna Natalie Rooney. Shooting star Natalie Rooney, who majored in Accounting, won silver for trap shooting on the second day of competition, only one point behind the gold medallist, while Ruby Tui (BA) became an Olympic silver medallist for her efforts the Rugby 7s competition.

UC has a long history with the Olympic Games. The University has had at least 102 students and alumni involved in the Olympic Games since 1954.

Current Olympian Angie Petty, who is studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree, is competing in the 800 metres next week and sent a message back to UC from Rio.

“Thanks so much for the support! So excited to make this dream come true - competing at the Olympic Games!” she wrote.

To watch Petty compete, check local screening times for the following:

800m Heat

Rio time Wednesday 17 August 10.55am (heat one starts then)

NZ time Thursday 18 August 1.55am (heat one starts then)

800m Semi

Rio time Thursday 18 August 9.15pm (semi one starts then)

NZ time Friday 19 August 12.15pm noon (semi one starts then)

800m Final

Rio time Saturday 20 August 9.15pm

NZ time Sunday 21 August 12.15pm noon

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