MEDIA RELEASE

9 July 2008

OLYMPIC swimming gold medallist, Duncan Armstrong, has been appointed an Ambassador of ClarkeKann Lawyers in Sydney and Brisbane. Managing Partner, Michael Sparksman, said Duncan Armstrong joined the ClarkeKann team to provide a range of new services to its clients and staff. 

“It is unique for a law firm to work closely with an athlete.  However, Duncan is recognised throughout Australia for his appealing communication skills, dynamic motivational presentations, training and facilitation workshops.  His business talents complement ClarkeKann’s legal expertise and sensible approach to delivering complete commercial solutions for our clients,” he said. “Duncan epitomises success and this is an important trait of ClarkeKann and represents one of our long held core values. 

ClarkeKann feel very strongly about the contribution Duncan can make to both our team and our clients,” he said. “Duncan’s outstanding sporting achievements are a product of his dedication, clear thinking and energy which have enormous application in the corporate world where the effective communication of strategic and business goals are directly affected by strategies and understanding of legal issues like regulatory compliance, risk management and governance.” “We are very excited to welcome Duncan to ClarkeKann as he can deliver what is sometimes difficult messages and concepts in ways that excite even the most hardened of corporate lawyers and clients.”

Raised in the Central Queensland town of Rockhampton, Duncan Armstrong rose to national and international fame at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 when he broke the world record to win the Gold medal in the 200 metres freestyle being one of only 3 Gold Medals won by Australia at those Games in addition to collecting the Silver in the 400m freestyle. 

Duncan formed a winning relationship with coach Laurie Lawrence which spanned 10 years, collecting Gold at the Commonwealth Games, Pan Pacific Championships and numerous national and international competitions.

During his stellar career Duncan also won a host of honours out of the water, including Young Australian of the Year and an Order of Australia Medal.

After representing Australia at two Olympic Games, Duncan retired from the pool in 1993 to pursue a career in media and corporate coaching. Duncan has for many years been the face of the Fox Sports coverage of swimming in this country.

Contact: Michael Sparksman: phone 07 3001 9221
or mobile: 0418 787 864.