St Joseph's Nudgee College

October 29, 2008

Nudgee Old Boy Brenton Rickard has been nominated in the Telstra People's Choice Award for Australia's Swimmer of the Year.

The dual Beijing silver medallist and 2000 senior has been nominated alongside some of the countries most recognisable names including Stephanie Rice, Eamon Sullivan, Libby Trickett and Grant Hackett.

The winner will be decided as a result of votes from the general public.

Brenton's parents Colette and Mark are grateful for the support the Nudgee College community showed Brenton during his Olympic campaign and are excited by his nomination in the Swimmer of the Year competition.

"From the number of messages of congratulations that we received following Brenton's two silver medals at the Olympic Games it is obvious that many members of the Nudgee family remember Brenton and his older brother, Nathan (1996 senior) and were supporting Brenton's endeavors in Beijing," they said.

"It has been brought to our attention that many of the people who sent messages of congratulations to Brenton would like to know how to show their appreciation and support of his efforts and so improve his chance of success in this year's Telstra Swimmer of the Year competition."

People wishing to support Brenton can vote as many times as they like between now and October 23.

Voting can be done online or by sending an SMS with Brenton's name and their full name to 0448 357 872.

Everyone who votes will be in the running to win the major prize of a trip to Sydney to attend the Swimmer of the Year Dinner. There are also weekly and daily prizes to be won.

Colette and Mark are encouraging as many people as possible to vote so they are in the running for the major prize.

"We would love somebody from the Nudgee Community to win so that we can catch up with them at the dinner as we are definitely going."