Jade Neilsen – Swimming – 2012
Bachelor of Business
When Jade Neilsen was named Sportswoman of the Year at the 2012 Bond University Blues Awards, she expressed her gratitude for being gifted the chance to pursue both her academic and sporting dreams.
“Knowing the University supports your endeavours is rewarding,” said the newly minted Olympian, who had returned from the 2012 London Games with a silver medal after swimming in the heats of the 4x200m freestyle relay.
“I have been able to concentrate on my studies as well as my swimming. The lecturers are really supportive and the whole community has been exceptionally welcoming.”
A born-and-bred Gold Coaster, the ADCO Sports Excellence Scholarship recipient excelled in surf lifesaving as a youngster before pursuing a swimming career that took her around the world. The 2008 Youth Commonwealth Games in India. The 2010 World Short Course Championships in Dubai. The 2010 Oceania Championships in Samoa. The 2011 World Championships in China.
And, of course, the biggest swim meet of them all – the 2012 London Olympics.
Having graduated from Bond University with a Bachelor of Business, Neilsen has carved out a career as an experienced business analyst, along with spending time as an executive with the Australian Swimmers Association.