SYDNEY UNI SPORT & FITNESS MAGAZINE SPRING 13

the world…By Andrew TilleyThe months of July and August arejam-packed with international sportingcompetition and, as is often the case,Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) EliteAthlete Program (EAP) scholarshipholders are competing all around theglobe chasing titles, medals and trophies.From Russia, to South Korea, to El Salvadorand Columbia, Sydney University’s bestathletes can be found doing battle againstthe world’s best athletes in competitionssuch as the Summer Universiade, WaterPolo World Championships, the WorldGames, the Under 23 World RowingChampionships and the Junior SailingWorld Championships.In addition to the athletes listed in thisarticle, there are hundreds of otherSydney Uni Sport & Fitness athletes whocompete around Australia throughoutthe year.Alice Keighley: “For anysportsperson, representing your countryis the greatest honour. I am fortunateenough to be competing for Australiaat the highest level in my sport (beachhandball) and there is nothing morehumbling and inspiring than coming upagainst the best in the world, wearing thegreen and gold.”Jaime and Sasha Ryan: “We havebeen competing in several events inthe EUROSAF Champions Sailing Cup,and the ISAF World Cup events. We justcompleted our European Championshipin Italy, placing 26th, and will be headingto La Rochelle in France soon tocompete in the Junior Worlds, and thenthe Open Worlds.Sailing is all about experience, andin two years’ time these same eventswill be the actual selection for the2016 Olympics, so this year is aboutestablishing ourselves more in the class,and learning as much as we can aboutracing the bigger fleets, knowing ourcompetition and understanding theconditions to expect in the differentvenues. In the short term, our resultsfrom competitions over here will helpus to qualify for higher levels within theAustralian Sailing Team.”JOSHUA RALPH: “Competing atthis level in athletics on the world stagehas been a dream since before I canremember, so it’s great to have such anamazing opportunity. Seeing the world,and being able to run at the same timecan only be described as the mostawesome experience ever!”Matthew Abood: “I love travellingand competing for Australia, especiallythis time around I have found a whole newappreciation for it, escaping the winterand arriving in the European summerwhere I can concentrate on just myswimming and compete at great eventslike the French Open in Vichy (countryFrance). I’m also looking forward to theWorld Championships, this is one ofswimming’s biggest stages and the leadup to these events is always very exciting.It is these experiences and competitionsthat makes the early mornings andsacrifices more than worth it!”KATIE-RAE EBZERY: “We are definitelylooking to win a medal at this tournament,but we need to take each game as it comesand just concentrate on our basketball.The team is treating this tournament likewe would a World Championships for anunder 25 age group and as a steppingstone towards the senior Opals squad.”2 311 87 5 49 10404139421516 1733251361432 3138 2627848 4347 2046618 1944 45122123242228293035WWW.SUSF.COM.AU 15