Written by Anu Francis
2025 was my first year studying the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University, after graduating with a Bachelor of Exercise Science from Flinders University in 2024. Despite living in Adelaide, I chose Charles Sturt because the flexibility of online study allows me to pursue my academic goals alongside my career as a Paralympic triathlete.
Receiving a University Sporting Blue, the Vice-Chancellor’s Sporting and Academic Excellence Award, and 2025 Sportsperson of the Year Award was a huge surprise and a massive honour. But perhaps what made it most memorable was where I was when I found out.
Back in October 2025, when the Sports and Blues Awards were announced, I had just arrived in Wollongong, two days out from World Championships. After qualifying as World No. 2 and placing a disappointing fourth in my Paralympic debut in Paris 2024, I was undefeated throughout the 2025 season and entered World Championships ranked No. 1 for the first time. However, I was still carrying plenty of nerves and uncertainty about whether I could perform when it mattered most, particularly as I would be racing the Paralympic Champion for the first time since Paris. Finding out that Charles Sturt had recognised both my sporting and academic achievements at this pivotal moment was an incredibly special boost.
Two days later, on home soil, I became World Champion for the first time. I remember carrying the significance of those awards with me throughout the race. They were a reminder that all the work I’d put in, in the pool, on the bike and run course, and behind a laptop studying, was being recognised. It became a truly special part of the story of my first world title.
My sporting journey certainly hasn’t been straightforward. Living with a one-in-a-million neurological condition amongst multiple other disabilities comes with its own set of challenges, and balancing this with elite sport and postgraduate study requires a lot of flexibility, organisation and resilience. Charles Sturt’s Elite Athlete Program has played a pivotal role in making this balance possible. Having a university that understands the demands of elite sport has given me the support and confidence I need to chase World Titles and academic achievement simultaneously.
Less than two weeks after becoming World Champion, I visited Bathurst Campus for in-person exams and intensives and was able to collect my awards. I had a massive ‘pinch me’ moment when I saw photos and plaques in the sports hall celebrating previous Sportspeople of the Year and saw that Paralympic Champion (and one of my greatest role models) Kurt Fearnley held this title in the early 2000s. To be following in the footsteps (or wheel marks) of someone I have looked up to for so long is a huge honour and something I am incredibly proud of.
Recognising student-athletes, volunteers, leaders and clubs is important because so much of what goes into achievement happens behind the scenes. Awards like these celebrate not just results, but the commitment, sacrifice, leadership and contribution that sit behind them. Charles Sturt’s Sports & Blues Awards also help create a sense of connection and belonging for students like myself who study online from interstate or overseas and may not always have the opportunity to experience university life on campus.
My advice to anyone considering nominating themselves or someone else is simple: do it! You don’t have to be an elite athlete or think of yourself as ‘award-worthy’ to deserve recognition. If you or someone you know is making a meaningful contribution to sport, leadership or the university community, tell that story. You never know where that recognition might lead or how much it could mean to someone.
Sports and Blues Awards nominations are open!
Got an inspiriting teammate? A coach who’s gone above and beyond, or a club you’re proud to be part of? Give the person or community you value a chance to be celebrated by nominating them for the 2026 Sports and Blues Awards. Nominations are now open.
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