85 Kiwi Athletes Gear Up To Compete On International Stage
A team of 85 student-athletes will represent New Zealand across multiple sports at the FISU World University Games, held in Germany from 16-27 July.
The FISU World University Games are the world's second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, bringing together around 8,500 student-athletes and officials from over 150 countries to compete for medals in 18 sports.
For many athletes, the World University Games are a key stepping stone on the pathway to the Commonwealth Games and Olympic competition.
Team NZ comprises athletes from universities and tertiary institutes across New Zealand and overseas. They will compete in a range of sports, including archery, athletics, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, fencing, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, taekwondo, rowing, and water polo.
Chef De Mission Evelyn Williamson says the Games are a moment of national pride and opportunity.
'Having 85 student-athletes wearing the silver fern on the international stage is a point of immense pride for New Zealand. It's not just about participation, it's about showing the world that our small nation consistently punches above its weight in sport,' she says.
'The Games are a unique opportunity for athletes to perform at an elite level and gain experience in a high-performance environment. It's where future Olympians are forged.'
New Zealand's history at the Games includes alumni such as Eliza McCartney, Zoe Hobbs, Hamish Kerr, Anthony Mosse, and Lauren Boyle, athletes who have gone on to become household names. For this year's cohort, the Games offer the chance to follow in their footsteps.
'What stands out most is the dedication these athletes show, balancing study, intense training, and often part-time work.
'Their achievements deserve to be celebrated not just for their sporting prowess, but for the commitment, resilience, and time management it takes to compete at this level.'
From 16 to 27 July, the Rhine-Ruhr cities of Bochum, Duisburg, and Essen will host 12 days of world-class sport. With all venues located in proximity, the Games will create a vibrant atmosphere, bringing together athletes, officials, media, and fans from around the world.
As Team NZ heads to Germany, Kiwis across the country are encouraged to follow their journey, share in their success, and support the rising stars of New Zealand sport.
Notes:
The delegation will be led by University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ), the organisation responsible for fostering competitive sport within the tertiary sector and promoting opportunities for student-athletes to represent New Zealand on the world stage.
Follow Team NZs journey on UTSNZ's Instagram and Facebook.
The full Team NZ can be found on the UTSNZ website.
Some Team NZ athletes are New Zealand citizens currently studying at international universities.
Attached image (left to right): Victoria Li, Alexi Evett, Abby Wheeler, Sophia Tweddle. Credit: Colin McDiarmid.
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