Warren’s Holly Campbell will be part of the green and gold contingent following her recent selection for the 2023 FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China from 28 July to 8 August. 

The World University Games are one of the world’s largest and most prestigious multi-sport events and celebrate international university sports while drawing thousands of student athletes to compete.  

Holly, one of 39 University students chosen from across Australia, will be one of the ‘Uniroos’ crew that will take part in the games running the 5000 metres and following her recovery from a spate of injuries it couldn’t come at a better time. 

“I’m very excited to be selected for the world Uni Games,” said Holly. “After missing most of the track season with injury this year.” 

“”I haven’t run many races at this distance, so I’m looking forward to going over to China for some good race experience. I have also heard that going to a multi-sport Championships is a lot of fun.” 

“The heat and the humidity will be a challenge coming off the Australian winter, but I am hoping my years growing up in the Australian summer will hold me in good stead.” said Holly. 

With Holly spending her youth running around her parent’s 13,000 Acre property out of Warren, Holly has made running part of her everyday life with a swag of titles and a country kid determination to tackle the sport she enjoys so much.  

“I started running in Primary school at the Western region small school’s athletics carnivals,” said Holly. “it was one of the highlights of the year.” 

Photos courtesy Athletics Australia. 

Boarding school sport was the catalyst for her running journey which has seen her attend National events and selection for the state Cross Country team. 

Holly came in 5th in the World Cross Country in 2020 and is the current NSW state title holder for the 5000 metres, proving she is more than worthy of her selection. 

The 'Uniroos' Athletic Team will consist of 11 past Australian representatives including two Commonwealth Games representatives, one World Athletics Championships representative and three athletes returning to the World University Games for the second time. 

The University Games act as a stepping-stone for many younger athletes aiming for Olympic and Commonwealth competition. With more than 10,000 athletes from 150 countries taking part it gives athletes a real taste of high-level international competition. 

Eligibility for the Games means students must be undergraduate or graduate students between the ages of 17 and 28 or have graduated in the year immediately preceding the year of the event. 

Athletics Australia General Manager High Performance Andrew Faichney, said the world University Games is a great platform for athletes to hone and develop their skills at a major Championships.  

“Athlete development hinges on providing competition opportunities and the World University Games gives these athletes the chance to be exposed to the rigours of international competition at a high level,” said Mr. Faichney. 

“Our hope is that athletes use this experience to springboard their athletic careers and get an understanding of what it means to represent Australia.”  

“Australia has also had much success at the University Games, and I am looking forward to seeing what this team can do to build on their careers,”  he said.

Meanwhile it is back to full time training for Holly as she puts in the hard yards in her pursuit of her running goal. 

“I’m looking forward to going to the Games to gain some valuable racing experience in such an interesting place and to meet lots of new people,” said Holly.