Two-time Olympic swimmer Patrick Murphy has been appointed an Athlete Role Model (ARM) for the upcoming Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games, joining the impressive line-up of 38 fellow Olympians who will offer support, mentoring and advice to the 3,800 young participating athletes.

"It’s really exciting to be a part of it,” the two time Olympic bronze medallist said.

Murphy made his Olympic debut at just 20-years-old in Athens, competing in the 200m backstroke. A key member of the Australian relay team, Murphy was pivotal in both the 4x-100m and 4x200m freestyle relay events at the Beijing Games; a bronze medallist on both occasions.

In his role as an ARM, Murphy will be encouraging young athletes to enjoy the experience and strive for their best.

“It’s all about participation and having fun along the way,” he said.

“You only get one opportunity. The Youth Games are a stepping stone to the Olympics. Hopefully the athletes have a positive experience which will encourage them to strive for the senior Olympics.”

Representing all 28 sports  on the Olympic programme, the ARMs will also take part in workshops and educational activities with the young athletes, covering topics such as anti-doping, nutrition, environmental protection, injury prevention, and irregular and illegal betting, to name a few.

Murphy anticipates being in Nanjing for the first five days of competition of the Youth Olympic Games before he returns to Australia for the Pan Pacific Championships taking place on the Gold Coast.

The second summer Youth Olympic Games take place in Nanjing, China from 16 – 28 August 2014. Olympic Gold Medallist Emma Snowsill has also been appointed as an ARM for the sport of triathlon. Australia anticipates sending a team of 91 athletes, including a women’s touch football team and a men’s hockey team.

Frances Cordaro
@AUSOlympicTeam