Former Australian Under-18 Ironwoman Champion Linda Halfweeg may have reached the top of her sporting career, but she ranks completing her two Bond University degrees among her greatest accomplishments.
Linda is one of more than 370 graduands who will receive their degrees this Saturday (1 st October) at Bond University’s 48 th Graduation Ceremony.
For Linda, it has taken more than studious hard work to complete her degrees; rather, it has been a feat of strength and endurance. The 24-year-old former golden girl of the Australian Surf Lifesaving circuit was struck down by the debilitating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome just one year into her studies.
The condition had her bedridden for months, forcing her to cut short her exceptional sporting career and put her studies on hold for 12 months while she tried to regain her health.
While she returned to university one year later, Linda says the continuing effects of the syndrome made it a real battle.
“It took a lot of persistence and determination to stick with it. It was a long and tedious time but I could see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Linda.
“I just kept myself focussed on my goal to finish both degrees. It was tricky at times to say the least, but I had so much support from my friends, family and the University. Without that, I know I would never have made it.
“At Bond, the individual support and understanding I received made a huge difference, especially while I was fighting chronic fatigue. All my professors knew me, understood my situation, and nothing was ever a problem,” she said.
With her health finally back on track, Linda has returned to her fitness training, but says she has no intentions of returning to the competitive ironwoman circuit.
“No, my dreams now lie in the corporate world. In five years time I see myself as a high-flying marketing executive or maybe even a television journalist.”
Linda will graduate on Saturday with a double Communications degree: a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations & Advertising) and a Bachelor of Communications/Business (Marketing).
“For me, this graduation is like completing an era. I’m happy and healthy and ready to take on the world. My new life is just beginning,” she enthused.
Bond’s 48 th Graduation Ceremony will take place this Saturday 1 October at 2.30pm in the Sports Hall, Bond University, University Drive, Robina. Following the ceremony, the graduates and their families will gather in the Bond University Library foyer for refreshments and photographs.
For further information, contact Bond University Public Relations Manager or the Bond University Media Relations Officer .
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