The University of Newcastle, Australia

London Olympic Games

27 July to 8 August 2012

EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE:

* Professor Maree Gleeson is world-renowned immunologist.Professor Gleeson’s research has focused on the influence of exercise on immunity and susceptibility to respiratory infections in elite athletes such as cyclists, triathletes, swimmers and runners. Contact Professor Gleeson on maree.gleeson@newcastle.edu.au or by phoning Media and Public Relations Officer Tess Campbell on (02) 4921 8714.

* Professor Dennis Taaffe, can comment on exercise physiology. His research is primarily in the area of ageing, exercise and the musculoskeletal system. Contact Professor Taaffe on (02) 4348 4179 or dennis.taaffe@newcastle.edu.au

* Dr Ben Dascombe has worked with medal-winning athletes during the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He can comment on sports physiology, training and recovery, supplements and compression garments. Contact Dr Dascombe, who is overseas, and he can provide phone contact via email ben.dascombe@newcastle.edu.au

* Dr Robin Callister can comment on drugs in sport, all aspects of sports science and athlete preparation. She completed her PhD at the United States Olympic training centre in Colorado Springs and has ongoing projects with the Australian Institute of Sport. Contact Dr Callister on (02) 4921 5650 or robin.callister@newcastle.edu.au

TECHNOLOGY:

* Mrs Deborah Trevallion can comment on fast suit innovation with reference to the controversial suits worn in swimming events at the Beijing Olympics and the ban of the suits in London by FINA, the international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming and open water swimming. Contact Mrs Trevallion on 0432 164 578 or deborah.trevallion@newcastle.edu.au

NUTRITION:

* Dr Robert Lockie is a lecturer in biomechanics and can comment on the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation and the mechanisms of performance improvement. Contact Dr Lockie on (02) 4349 4428 or robert.lockie@newcastle.edu.au

PSYCHOLOGY:

* Dr Stephen Jelley can comment on sports psychology and exercise pysiology. He has researched in the areas of adult and school age elite individuals and team athletes. Contact Dr Jelley on (02) 4921 5446 or stephen.jelly@newcastle.edu.au

PERFORMANCE:

* Dr Xanne Janse de Jonge can comment on women in sport and exercise performance. She has completed applied sciences research into lower back pain in elite athletes. Contact Dr Janse de Jonge on (02) 4349 4566 or x.jansedejonge@newcastle.edu.au

HISTORICAL:

* Professor Terry Ryan can comment on sport history and Australia’s involvement in the modern Olympics. Contact Professor Ryan (02) 4921 5228 or terry.ryan@newcastle.edu.au

For further enquiries please contact Tess Campbell, University of Newcastle Media and Public Relations on (02) 4921 8714.