UQ athletes get set for World University Games

Four University of Queensland students will compete at the 2015 World Summer University Games in South Korea in July. Dane Bird-Smith (athletics), Caitlin Cronin (rowing), Tom Gamble (athletics) and Aisling Scott (swimming) have been selected for Australia's UniRoos team and will join about 10,000 other university students from 170 countries around the world. UQ Sport Head of Rowing Zoltan Shepherd and Head of Athletics Stacey Taurima are coaches at the games, which is the largest multi-sport event after the Olympics. Mr Bird-Smith, who is studying a Bachelor of Health Sport and Physical Education and holds a UQ Sports Achievement Scholarship, will compete in the 20km walking event. "I'm looking forward to having a great time in Korea and meeting old and new friends from around the world," he said. "With the World Championships in Beijing coming up in August, I'm hoping to put in a strong performance at the Games and hone my race preparation and tactics, and hopefully walk away with a medal or a personal best." Mr Bird-Smith juggles part-time study and full-time training, which involves walking up to 120km a week as well as cross training, gym and recovery sessions. "As most students know, exam and assignment stress can really knock you mentally and physically, so having UQ support me and understand my circumstances during these times is a massive help." Mr Taurima said UQ Sport was proud to have such high-calibre athletes representing Australia at the games.