UNSW ready for the Olympic Games Paris 2024

As the countdown to the Paris Olympic Games draws closer, UNSW is proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our current students, alumni, and club members who will be representing Australia on the world’s biggest stage. From water polo and sailing to boccia in the Paralympics, rugby sevens, rowing, and hockey, our UNSW athletes and club members are aiming for the elusive gold medal. Here’s a look at the impressive UNSW contingent heading to Paris.

Water Polo

Matthew Byrnes
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce, Matthew has made significant strides in the water polo world. After debuting internationally at the age of 18 and representing Australia at the FINA Men's Junior Water Polo Championships, Byrnes joined the Aussie Sharks in 2022. He has been a key player for CN Sant Andreu, and Paris 2024 will mark his Olympic debut.

John Hedges
Studying for a Bachelor of Commerce, John Hedges has followed in the footsteps of his sister, former Aussie Stingers goalkeeper Lilian Hedges. After a successful stint with the University of the Pacific in California, Hedges joined the Aussie Sharks in 2022. Now playing for CN Sant Andreu, he is set to make his Olympic debut at Paris 2024.

Nathan Power
A UNSW Master of Commerce graduate, Nathan Power is the captain of the Australian men’s water polo team. With a professional career that began in 2016 with Jadran Split in Croatia and continued with CN Barcelona, Power has made over 200 appearances for Australia. He debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Games and has since been a pivotal leader for the Aussie Sharks. His experience and leadership will be crucial as he leads the team in Paris.

Angus Lambie
Angus Lambie, a UNSW graduate with a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, has been a standout in Australian water polo. Having won titles with the Wests Magpies and debuted for the Aussie Sharks in 2019, Lambie is now competing with VK Primorac Kotor. His Olympic debut in Paris will be a significant milestone in his career, building on his success at the 2023 World Aquatics Cup and World Championships.

Charlie Negus
Charlie Negus, a former captain of Waverley College’s water polo team, has shown immense promise in the sport. Representing Australia at junior events and debuting for the Aussie Sharks in 2018, Negus has accumulated over 45 international caps.

Bronte Halligan
Bronte Halligan, daughter of rugby league legends Daryl Halligan and Wally Lewis, has made a name for herself in water polo. Debuting for the Australian Stingers in 2014 and playing college water polo at UCLA, Halligan has competed professionally in Italy and at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Her performances at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships solidify her place as a key player for the Stingers in Paris.

Tim Hamill and Andrew Yanitsas
The Australian water polo team will also be supported by UNSW alumni Tim Hamill and Andrew Yanitsas, who have been selected as the Sharks Coach and Assistant Coach respectively. 

Sailing

Shaun Connor
Shaun Connor, who began sailing at the age of four, has been a prominent figure in Australian sailing. Partnering with Jim Colley, Connor won silver at the 2023 Hyeres regatta and secured an Olympic quota with a victory at Sail Sydney. A graduate in Construction Management and Property, Shaun will be hoping to take home that gold medal with long time friend and 49er partner Jim Colley.

Jim Colley
Jim Colley, a Sydney 49er skiff sailor, has made significant strides in his career. Partnering with Shaun Connor, Colley won silver at the 2023 Hyeres regatta and secured an Olympic ticket with a victory at Sail Sydney 2023. Jim Colley recently graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Rugby Sevens

Henry Hutchison
A standout in Australian rugby sevens, debuted in late 2015 and excelled in the Rio 2016 qualifiers. He scored 27 tries in his debut World Series season and was named rookie of the year. At Tokyo 2020, Australia finished seventh. Hutchison excelled in the 2021-22 World Series and Commonwealth Games but missed most of 2023 due to injuries. He returned at the Perth Sevens in 2024, helping Australia secure second place. Henry looks to take home the gold in his THIRD Olympics. Henry also completed his Bachelor of Commerce last year. 

Rowing

Caitlin Cronin
Currently studying a Master of Public Health, Caitlin Cronin moved to Sydney in 2016 to join Rowing Australia’s National Training Centre. She made her global debut at the U23 World Championships and won a bronze medal in the women’s quadruple scull at Tokyo 2020. Her impressive performances in the 2023 World Rowing Cups have secured a spot for the Australian women’s quad scull team in Paris.

Hockey

Tim Brand
Tim Brand, who joined the national development squad in 2017 and the National Senior Squad in 2018, has been a key player for the Kookaburras. His achievements include a gold medal at the 2018 Champions Trophy, a silver medal at Tokyo 2020, and a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Completing a Bachelor of Commerce and Actuarial Studies at UNSW, Brand’s skills and experience will be crucial as he represents Australia in Paris.

Grace Young

A dynamic midfielder from Grafton, has quickly risen through Australian hockey ranks. After a standout season with NSW Pride and strong performances with the Jillaroos, she joined the Hockeyroos in 2023. Grace was instrumental in their third-place finish in the Women’s International Pro League and their Olympic berth.

Boccia

Jamieson Leeson
A star in boccia, currently studying a Bachelor of Economics, Leeson made her Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 and has recently won a silver medal at the Boccia World Cup in Montreal. At just 16, Jamieson has been the youngest person ever to represent Australia in boccia. Jameison will compete at the Paralympics at the end of August. 

Paralympics Judo

Taylor Gosens

Taylor is set to become the second woman to represent Australia in Paralympic judo after being confirmed for the Paris 2024 Paralympics by Paralympics Australia. She will compete in the J2 70kg+ classification.

UNSW is proud of the incredible achievements of our students, alumni, and club members who are set to make their mark at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. We are so excited to watch them compete on the world stage, be sure to follow us on Instagram to know when they will be competing!