Australia

Runner

Anna Shedrina

Anna is a clay target shooter from Australia. In addition to clay-target-shooting, Anna is also an accountant, which means she keeps busy! Although she was born in Russia and came to Australia at age 9, Anna says, "There's nothing I would love more than to represent Australia at the Olympic Games." Anna won a national title last year, which is a great accomplishment. We wish her luck in her future competitions!

Andrew Mewing

Andrew Mewing, whose nickname is Mewso, is a 26 year old freestyle swimmer from Brisbane, Australia.   He specializes in the 100 & 200m freestyle event.    He narrowly missed out on Athens, and was controversially omitted for the 2008 Olympic Games at Beijing despite finishing in 8th place.  Swimming Australia criteria states that up to eighth place in the 100m or 200m finals will be considered for selection.   

He has a range of several impressive accomplishments ranging from   a silver and two bronze medals in free relays from two FINA World Championships, a bronze in 4x200m free at 2006 Commonwealth Games and three silver medals from two FINA World Short Course Championships.

Mirinda Carfrae

Mirinda is a triathlete from Brisbane, Australia. Her sports hero is Michael Jordon. Mirinda started in sports at an early age, trying out basketball and other school sports. In 1991, she began the triathlon. Even though she did not have a background in swimming, running, or biking, she experienced success in 2001 when she made the Australian Junior Elite Team and competed in the Triathlon World Championships. Mirinda has represented Australia at the TWC in 2002, '03, and '04, earning two silver medals. Mirinda told us, "I am happy to be able to play a small part in this great initiative."

Wade Hammond

Wade is a star lacrosse player for Eltham's Division 1 team in Australia.  

Paralympic Swimmer

Paralympic Swimmer

Ming Ong

Ming is an Australian swimmer who is currently competing for Princeton University in the USA. Before attending Princeton, she competed in swimming, cross country, and water polo at Pymble Ladies College. As if that isn't impressive enough, she was also elected as captain of the swim team. She also swam in the School Sport Australia Championships, along with local championships in all three sports. She earned the "conduct, work and play" award in each of her last three years of secondary school. We are proud to have such an accomplished athlete as a member of Team Darfur.

Paralympic Swimmer

Verity Long Droppert

Verity is part of the Aussie Pride, which is currently ranked third in the world. Her career highlights include: two Grand Finals at National Championships, winning State League in WA, and being the captain of the WA U19 team.