Student researchers present ne...
Students and staff at our Auckland International Campus gathered for the latest Student Research Forum this week.
Being hearing-impaired is no barrier to success for Murray Blondell.
The unassuming English, Maths and Digital Skills student is a Special Olympics gold medalist in gymnastics. He won a gold in the parallel bars, three silvers in the rings and three bronze medals for the full exercise event of the in the United States. Murray warded off fierce competition to take home the medals for New Zealand in 1995. 鈥淵ou have to be strong to do the rings,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t takes technique.鈥� His success stemmed from a desire 鈥渢o do my best to win for my country.鈥�
The 45-year-old, whose father is a Special Olympics coach, first took up sports to improve his skills and to make new friends. It all started when he was eight years old, growing up in Invercargill. He won about 50 medals in athletics, track and field events, and long-distance running. 鈥淚 started learning soccer as well and won a first and second.鈥� At 13, Murray added gymnastics to his training regime. He took gold in the Special Olympics just five years later.
Now retired from sports due to the cost involved, he is focusing his energy on studying at our Manukau campus and expects to graduate soon. 鈥淚 was studying Health and Wellbeing Level 2 but decided to go to Lesley鈥檚 class to improve my English, Digital Skills and Maths,鈥� he says. 鈥淥nce I improve, I will go upstairs to finish the health programme.鈥� Murray is enjoying learning to type on the computer and check his spelling.
