Ivanhoe kayaker headed for Rio 2016
Old Ivanhoe Grammarian and champion kayaker, Richard Merjan has officially qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Richard possess remarkable focus and, holding dual citizenship via his father, has travelled to the world’s greatest slalom venues over the last decade, competing for Lebanon.
Richard commenced at Ivanhoe Grammar School in 2001, making his mark as a keen athlete when he received a Full Blue for Kayaking and Rugby. He was also part of the Locksley Symphonic Band and graduating from Ivanhoe in 2007. He went on to study at Deakin University, graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce degree, majoring in Arabic and Finance.
A keen kayaker since a young age and part of the School’s Championship Kayaking program, he credits Head of Kayaking at Ivanhoe Grammar School, David Gibbs with teaching him how to kayak and has expressed gratitude for all the opportunities that the Ivanhoe community has provided him. His brother,Camron, a keen athlete as well, Captained the First XV Rugby Team and graduated in 2015.
Ivanhoe Grammar School has a proud tradition of excellence in Kayaking and many Ivanhoe paddlers have gone on to compete nationally and internationally. Alumni regularly return to the School to help train and mentor younger students.
The School is very proud of Richard and wishes him every success as he competes on the world stage in August.
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