Brianna Ozies (left) and Shelley Cable. Ozies is the first recipient of a UWA Indigenous scholarship.
Camera IconBrianna Ozies (left) and Shelley Cable. Ozies is the first recipient of a UWA Indigenous scholarship. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Swimming: UWA awards first Indigenous scholarship

Montana ArdonWestern Suburbs Weekly

UWA’S sport department has awarded its first Indigenous scholarship to swimmer Brianna Ozies.

The program supports elite and emerging student athletes in reaching their full potential.

Before applying to the development program, Ozies found it difficult to keep up with the fees of being an elite swimmer.

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“I didn’t have my own equipment except for a pair of old bathers, a cap and a pair of goggles,” she said.

“Training in the lead up to events I would have to borrow old, used equipment, and felt embarrassed to attend training, lacking confidence in the water when I did.”

After successfully being accepted into the program, Ozies commenced her training for the Rottnest Channel swim, where she made history as part of the first all indigenous duo to compete in the swim.

“Without this program, I could never have afforded to travel to the events in the open water series, and without that training I don’t think I could have completed the swim,” she said.

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