Injured swimmers to keep international scholarships

Two New Zealand swimmers whose athletic scholarships were in jeopardy following overseas injuries have been told there is no need to worry.

Max Kennedy-Till and Gabrielle Faamausili were both injured during their sporting scholarships at American universities.

According to NCAA rules there was nothing stopping the colleges from lessening the money in these athlete’s scholarships, putting their education at risk.

However, after some worrying weeks both athletes have been told that their scholarships will remain at the same level in the future.

Gabrielle Faamausili was in a very favourable position with her university given her talent as an international swimmer.

“The university is paying for my operation and rehab, this is most likely because I was their top recruit last year and they wouldn’t want to let me go without seeing how quickly I recover.” Says Ms Faamausili.

Mr Kennedy-Till is currently undergoing rehab for his injured shoulder, and is receiving some financial support for the rehab sessions.

However, because he has decided to return home during the American summer the university will only pay for two sessions per week.

“I was really lucky with the operation, the university found some of the best people in the country to work on me but there is still a long way to go before I will be swimming again.”

Despite the severity of his injury Mr Kennedy-Till has been reassured that his scholarship will be renewed at the same level.