Tomic Shortlisted for individuum Academy of Dreams Grant

Brilliant young WAIS cyclist Josie Tomic has been shortlisted for a $25,000 scholarship through the individuum 2009/10 Academy of Dreams program.

Tomic is one of four finalists in the running for the cash grant that is geared towards helping encouraging young Australians across the three categories of sport, education and music to fulfil their burgeoning potential.

Tomic is targeting a position on the Australian cycling team at the 2012 London Olympic Games and believes the individuum Academy of Dreams scholarship would be a huge help towards achieving her dreams.

“To be named as a finalist in the individuum Academy of Dreams is a huge thrill,” the 19 year-old said from her European training camp. “The amount of time and effort we devote as athletes to our sport often comes with considerable expense. The Academy of Dreams grant would lift the financial strain off my family and I and allow me to focus on being the best cyclist I can be.”

And if Tomic’s performances to date are anything to go by, that potential is great. Competing at her first world championships in Poland this year, Josie won gold in the women’s omnium and claimed bronze as a member of the Australian women’s team pursuit.

In 2008, Tomic won two junior track world championship gold medals and gold in the time trial at the junior road world championships, making her the first Australian cyclist to win gold on both track and road in the same year at either junior or senior world championship level. In the same year, Tomic was also named the Western Australian Institute of Sport’s young Athlete of the year.

The winner of the individuum Academy of Dreams scholarship will be announced on Monday 15 June 2009.