SARAH Teelow was about to receive her university’s highest sporting honour when she was fatally injured during a high-speed water ski race this week.
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The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) yesterday praised Ms Teelow’s many endeavours as it confirmed the recognition that would have come to her on Friday.
The 20-year-old died on Monday night after sustaining serious spinal and head injuries in the Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic on Sunday.
Ms Teelow, who grew up at Wellington, had become part of an elite athlete scholarship program after her graduation from Dubbo’s St John’s College.
University deputy vice-chancellor Shirley Alexander said a full sporting blue was to be awarded to the student in recognition of her world championship won just two months earlier.
“It’s a very elite award... the highest sporting honour at the university,” Professor Alexander said.
The deputy vice-chancellor praised Ms Teelow, who was in her second year studying a bachelor of human movement.
“Sarah was a student we were incredibly proud of,” she said.
“She excelled in every aspect of life at UTS.
“She was an outstanding student, an elite athlete and a very good citizen of the university and we are very proud of her.”
Professor Alexander noted Ms Teelow’s world title had come after a broken ankle more than 12 months earlier.
“Like all champions she was able to sustain knocks,” she said.
“She didn’t let a setback deter her achieving her goals.”
Ms Teelow also made a personal contribution to life at the university, which offered counselling to her fellow students and staff.
“She was bubbly, she knew everyone’s name and everyone liked her,” Professor Alexander said.
“Everyone is so devastated.”
