Australian Ironman Champion Ky Hurst has been awarded the prestigious Bond University Sporting Scholarship for 2006, joining the company of previous winners Daniel Kowalski, Linda Halfweeg, Giaan Rooney, Karni Liddell and training partner Grant Hackett.
The four-time Australian Ironman Champion has recently stepped-up his swimming training under the guidance of the Australian Team Coach Denis Cotterell, and has his eyes set on representing Australia at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Olympic Games.
Ky will commence his Bachelor of Communications at Bond University on the Gold Coast in January next year, combining his rigorous training schedule with his studies – a challenge that the ambitious 24 year-old is unfazed by.
“I’ve seen Grant (Hackett) & Daniel (Kowalski) juggle both reasonably well and am confident I can do the same. Plus it will provide a much-needed break from the pool”, Ky said.
“ Bond University is very supportive of my ambitions, and my goal to be part of the 2008 Olympic Swim Team, and fortunately they are willing to be flexible with my study program and work around my individual needs,” he added.
Ky said his decision to apply to Bond came after years of procrastinating.
“I meant to apply years ago, but I got caught up in my hectic schedule and let it slide. I’ve always been passionate about my goal to go to university, and this year I said to myself: ‘you better do it now before it’s too late’.
“Bond was the right choice for me- it’s got a great reputation and I’d heard so many good things about the uni from Grant & Daniel, plus I know a few of the lecturers and students already,” Ky said.
Ky hopes his chosen degree will set him in good stead for a career in public relations or sports management later in life.
“I’ll probably always be involved in my sports, but in ten years time I see myself in a PR role, in front of a television camera or running sports events – and this degree will make sure I’m prepared for that move,” Ky said.
Unfortunately for fans of Channel Seven’s Dancing with the Stars, Ky will be hanging up the dancing boots for good after next week’s grand finale. Apparently the demands of juggling an elite sporting career with a university degree don’t leave much time for a waltz around the dance floor.