UNSW athletes represent Australia on world stage

Four UNSW students are bound for Taipei to compete in the World University Games, which begin tomorrow with more than 12,000 athletes from 140 countries.

UNSW students Claudia Lam, Angus Lambie, Emily Washer and Erny Tsao will be representing Australia in badminton, water polo, swimming and table tennis, at the 29th Summer Universiade. 

“The World University Summer Games are a huge international and prestigious event and we are very proud of these students for being selected," says UNSW Elite Athlete Program & Sports Scholarship Coordinator Helen Bryson.

Australia’s 180 competing students, the largest ever Australian team to participate in the Games, will be led by Sydney Olympian Liz Brett, former Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller, and senior sports administrator Diedre Anderson.

The biennial event is hosted by the International University Sports Foundation and allows student athletes across 174 countries to take a considerable step in advancing their sporting career.

“Being selected as part of the Uniroos, and to wear the green and gold on a world stage, is an absolute honour,” says Commerce / Law student and Elite Athlete scholar Claudia Lam.

“I have to travel internationally and domestically to compete to maintain my national ranking and trying to keep on top of all my subjects has been challenging – however, I'm thrilled to be able to experience the vast range of sports on offer,” Lam says.

Lam and her fellow UNSW team members are Ben Lexcen Scholars. Ben Lexcen Scholarships provide elite athletes with financial support and flexible study arrangements to enable students to excel in both their sporting and academic endeavors.

"It's been a demanding two years having to balance sporting commitments and academic results,” says Lam.

“It’ll be a fun and interesting experience – I’m excited to showcase my skills and know that all my hard work has paid off.”

Keep up with the all the team's news and results on Twitter @AUSUniroos #Uniroos