Australian UniRoos take on student-athletes from around the world

UniSport Australia Media Release

For release: 3 August 2023

After four days of competition, the Australian UniRoos are performing with distinction at the 2021 FISU World University Summer Games in Chengdu, China.

The FISU World University Games started on Friday evening with the strong Australian contingent walking out on the global stage in front of 40,000 spectators, including Chinese President, Xi Jinping. The UniRoos were led by Australian Catholic University (ACU) Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science student, Alec Diamond. Afterwards, Alec spoke about the significance of leading the UniRoos out onto the world stage. “This is my first time to be the flag bearer of the country, and I have been dreaming of this for years, and the dream came true in Chengdu,” said Diamond.

The World University Games is a biennial multisport event that brings together student-athletes from around the world. Representing Australia, the UniRoos will vie for victory against formidable competitors from diverse nations, fostering a sense of camaraderie and cultural exchange among participants.

Australian UniRoos Water Polo team v Italy (2 August) Image credit: FISU

After attending the opening ceremony FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu last week, UniSport Australia Chief Executive Officer, Mark Sinderberry highlights the importance of the World University Games as part of the performance pathway for elite student-athletes.

“The significance of the World University Games on the performance pathway for elite student-athletes cannot be overstated. This event serves as a stepping stone for young talents to transition from national-level competitions to the international arena.

The Games is the only other multisport event in the world that is of similar size to the Olympics, with over 8000 student athletes from 113 countries competing. It offers invaluable exposure to high-level sportsmanship, enabling athletes to develop critical skills necessary for future professional and Olympic aspirations” said Sinderberry.

Participation in the World University Games not only presents an opportunity for our UniRoos to test their mettle against top-tier competitors but also fosters personal growth and character development. The Games emphasize the values of fair play, mutual respect, and friendship, promoting an integrated approach to sportsmanship and education.

To date, the performance highlights have been a 4th place finish of Deakin University student, Natalie Phan (Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business) in the 1m Springboard Diving. It was Phan’s first international final and she moved from 6th place into 4th behind the Chinese and American athletes. Overnight, another Deakin student, Samantha Geddes (Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) finished in 4th place in the 100m after running a personal best.

The Women’s Water Polo team are sitting equal 2nd in their pool with two wins and 1 loss. The Athletics team had a perfect start to their campaign with all nine athletes competing on day one of athletics reaching the next rounds of their respective competitions.

For full schedule and results click here

About UniRoos

The Australian UniRoos is the team identity for all UniSport high performance teams representing Australia on the international stage at either a World University Championship, Summer, or Winter University Games.

About UniSport

The Summer World University Games is an international university sports and cultural event that is staged every two years in a different city. These games draw thousands of student-athletes together to compete, making it one of the largest multisport events in the world.

In 2023, the event will be held from 28 July – 8 August in Chengdu, China.

More information on UniSport: http://www.unisport.com.au/

For more information please contact:

Siobhan James

General Manager – International Program & National Leagues

Email: siobhan.james@unisport.com.au