UNSW Masters student Madeline Heiner is limbering up for the 3000m steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The 27-year-old is returning to athletics after an eight-year break from competitive racing. She is currently in Cologne, Germany in the build-up to the Games, which begin on 23 July. 

“I am incredibly excited to be in the Australian team for these Commonwealth Games. Preparation is going very well. I recently competed in the Launceston 10km race where I won the race with the fastest time in Australia this year,” Madeline says. 

Madeline works as a pharmacist in Wollongong and is currently studying a Masters of International Public Health and Health Management at UNSW. She says she has always had a desire to work in health on a community level.

“As a result of my travels, I have developed a particular interest in working towards global health care equality and improving the health outcomes of those faced with limited opportunities and resources. 

“I think that interventions targeted to populations rather than individuals present a powerful avenue for positive change,” she says.

Madeline has been supported in her studies by an Elite Athlete Sports Scholarship, which she says has been of great assistance, particularly in the lead-up to the games.

“I feel very fortunate for the support I have received over the last nine months that has allowed my return to the sport to be a smooth, successful and incredibly enjoyable process,” says Madeline.

Two other Australian Commonwealth Games competitors have links with UNSW. Former UNSW student and Ben Lexen Scholar Luke Davison will compete in cycling and UNSW Judo Club member Amy Meyer will compete in the women’s under-48kg division.

Applications for admission to UNSW’s Elite Athletes and Performers program in 2015 will open on Monday, 18 August. Follow Madeline’s achievements via her twitter account @madheiner.

Media contact: Leilah Schubert, UNSW Media Office, 02 9385 8107,  l.schubert@unsw.edu.au