Two Hallam students will travel to Gwangju, South Korea in early July to represent Team Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the 2015 World University Games.
The games consists of 21 sports and around 12,00 students are expected to compete. Two of those students are Hallam’s Max Litchfield, a swimmer, and Claire Cryan, diving, who were both selected to compete in their respective fields. Athletes were selected on a range of criteria as well as qualifying times and results. They are also ratified by the National Governing Body of their respective sports before their selections are confirmed.
It will be a fantastic platform for Max and Claire to perform as the games are widely recognised as as the world’s second largest, competitive multi-sport event behind only the Olympics. It could also be seen as huge launch pad for their careers with the likes of Beth Tweddle and Jessica Ennis-Hill both previously competing in the World University Games.
The games is a bi-annual event and in 2013, Great Britain secured 1 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals. Sheffield also has some history with the games as in 1991 it hosted the event. This left a lasting legacy in the city with venues such as Ponds Forge which are now used by Team Sheffield Hallam for their training as well as competitive BUCS and Varsity fixtures.
Helen Roberts, Performance Athlete Support Officer here at Hallam, said :
“Hallam are extremely proud that two of our student athletes have been selected to compete at the World University Games. Max and Claire have both worked extremely hard over their years at Hallam, managing their academics and sport and putting 110% in at all times. We would like to wish them all the best in the completion and hope they have a fabulous time representing Great Britain”
The games take place from the 3rd to 14th July. Make sure you stay tuned to us to find out how Max and Claire get on!
