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First-time Olympic kayaker and former Sydney University Elite Athlete Program (EAP) scholarship holder Murray Stewart says modelling the opening ceremony uniform reinforces just how close the Olympic Games are.

Stewart will compete in four events in London.

He has been in red-hot form in 2012 winning the K1, K2 and K4 1000 metre events at both the Oceania and Australian Championships, securing his place in London.

“Today was a bit of a turning point for me, putting on the jacket and seeing what we are going to be wearing is making it very real,” said Stewart, speaking at the unveiling of the team uniform at Sydney’s Circular Quay.

Stewart leaves for Europe with his teammates on Sunday for a pre-Olympic hit-out that takes in several world cup races.

“I haven’t checked out the Olympic venue yet personally, but there’s a possibility we might get a chance to go before heading across to Europe (for the world cup races),” Stewart said.

“A lot of the guys on the team have been there before and I’ve seen a lot of photos of the course and it looks really good – we will be ready.”

The 25-year-old Sydneysider is revelling in the build-up to the Games, but insists the hype won’t distract him from his primary goal which is competing on sport’s biggest stage.

“When I get onto the water and am racing at the Games, I think that will be quite a surreal moment,” he said.

With that same steeliness, he was recently awarded a master of architecture at the University of Sydney, while winning the ICF athlete of the month award in March.

“It’s been quite a juggling act, but I’ve had a lot of help from AIS, NSWIS and Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF).

I’ve qualified now so I’ve been able to train uninterrupted for the last few months,” Stewart said.

Stewart was earlier this morning joined to model the new opening ceremony uniforms with a number of athletes, including Kynan Maley – another former Sydney University EAP scholarship holder.

Maley will compete in two canoe/kayak slalom events at this year’s London Olympics.

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