University basks in glow of Olympic Torch

Thousands of University of Queensland staff and students lined the streets in and around the St Lucia campus on June 14 to cheer on runners in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay.

About 1000 people, mainly residents of the University's residential colleges, lined Sir William MacGregor Drive, and thousands more waited near the Hawken Drive/Upland Road roundabout, the Mill Road roundabout and Sir Fred Schonell Drive down to the UQ information booth.

The torch was preceded by a large contingent of police from Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, including two police on iridescent cobalt blue Harley Davidson motorcycles and several police on bicycles.

Among the torch bearers in and around the campus were former Olympic sprint finalist and UQ SPORT executive Kerry Johnson, ex Olympic rower John Morganti and former world champion surfer Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholmew.

Many people connected with the University were selected as Olympic Torchbearers during the flame's progress around the country en route to Sydney in September.

These include distinguished alumni Dr David Thiele (an Olympic medallist), UQ SPORT patron Daphne Pirie and former Olympic rower and current UQ SPORT board member Richard Powell.

High profile University athletics coach Pat Clohessy, ex Olympic rower Wayne Diplock and UQ SPORT scholarship holder and leading basketball player Julie Korst also carried the torch, along with School of Veterinary Science principal technical officer Dallas Baker.

Recent Arts/Law graduate and cochlear implant recipient Marissa Ker and veterinary science student Tessa Simmons also took part in the relay.