21 July 2008

Victoria University student Dennis Iverson has qualified for the Australian Judo team, ignoring doctors who told him he would never compete at an elite level again.

The 27-year-old from Keilor Park ruptured a disc in his back in 2005, requiring major surgery that kept him out of competition for most of the next year. But Dennis made a remarkable comeback in early 2007, competing on the European circuit and training with the Hungarian national team.

He returned to Australia in May 2007, winning the Oceania Cup in November and the Oceania Championship title in March 2008, and securing his spot on the 12-member Australian Olympic team.

Dennis, who is currently in his second year of a four-year Bachelor of Education degree at VU's Melton Campus, rates his Olympic berth as a sports career highlight.

He said: "The best thing about doing Judo is hanging out with my mates, travelling the world and getting to the Olympics."

At the Victorian Judo Academy in Lalor, where he trains, there are no coaches other than Dennis and his peers.

He said: "At our club we write our own program and run everything ourselves. At the end of the day, a good or bad result is on us."

This is Dennis' first Olympic appearance. He was too young to compete at the Sydney Games, then narrowly missed out on selection at the 2004 Athens Games. He will compete in the under 73kg division, on 11th of August.

Beyond the Beijing Games, Dennis says anything is possible. "Depending on my body, I might try again for the London 2012 Olympic Games."

While continuing regular training, Dennis also plans to finish his degree at VU with an aim of becoming sports teacher in secondary schools, the place where his Judo career began.

He said: "I was living in Queensland and was just about to go to high school, so mum and dad thought I should learn how to defend myself. I came second out of 10 people at my first competition and have never looked back."

He moved to Melbourne for better training opportunities in 2000, and is now a three-time winner in the men's lightweight division in both the Australian and Oceanic competitions.

Judo is certain to be a hot topic at the next Iverson family gathering as Dennis' brother Brent is also involved in Judo at an elite level.

A jpeg photograph of Dennis Iverson in competition is available.

Media Contact: Ann Marie Angebrandt, Media Officer
Marketing and Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 5487