Student shows Olympic attributes

A FAMILY trip to Sydney to watch the 2000 Olympic Games might have lit Tia Broughton's passion for sport.

She was only five at the time, but the teenager said she'd never forget watching the athletes perform.

Since then, Miss Broughton has become an accomplished athlete herself, tasting success in a variety of sports.

Talented at swimming, cross country and netball, the St John's Anglican College student was chosen to represent her school at the Pierre de Coubertin awards last month.

The awards - named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games - recognise senior secondary students who demonstrate attributes consistent with the Olympic ideal.

Eligible students must have represented the school, district or region in at least three sports.

Nominees were also asked to submit an original art or literary work which illustrated the student's appreciation of the Olympic movement.

"It was a great atmosphere filled with so many talented people," Miss Broughton said.

"Just being one of them was a rewarding experience in itself."

Joining Queensland's emerging athletes were some of Australia's finest Olympians who were on hand to present award certificates.

They included Olympic judo athlete Arnie Dickins and Olympic swimmer Yolane Kukla, who Miss Broughton had swam against in previous competition.

Though sport has played a big part in Miss Broughton's life, the Year 12 student said she wanted to focus this year on achieving good grades.

"If it happens it happens," she said about a career in competitive sport. "Right now I am trying to focus on getting good grades for my final year of high school.

"But through competitive sports I've had the opportunity to meet some great people and learn valuable skills such as teamwork."

The Pierre de Coubertin awards were held at Somerville House, South Brisbane on June 23.