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, 3×3 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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