UoB athletes set for global stage at FISU World University Games 2025
The University of Birmingham is proud to announce an outstanding group of athletes and coaches who have been selected to represent Great Britain and beyond at the FISU World University Games 2025, taking place next month in Rhine Ruhr, Germany.
Known as the pinnacle of global student sport, the FISU Games bring together elite student athletes from around the world in a multi-sport event that mirrors the Olympic Games in scale and spirit.
And this year, Birmingham will be making its mark in a big way.
Record breaking representation for Birmingham
A remarkable 13 student athletes from the University of Birmingham have been selected to compete for Team GB. This is the highest number in the University’s history and makes Birmingham the second largest contributor to the GB team. It highlights the strength and breadth of the University’s sport programmes.
Who’s competing: The Birmingham lineup
Athletics
Orla Brennan – 400m Hurdles
Abigail Ives – 800m
Benjamin Gardiner – 800m
Thomas Bridger – 3,000m Steeplechase
Maisie Grice – 3,000m Steeplechase
Oliver Smart – 5,000m
Holly Weedall – 10,000m
Isaac Hirshman Chandler – 10,000m
Catherine Palfreeman Watt – Half Marathon
Rosie Hamilton James – Half Marathon
Finley Proffitt – Half Marathon
Archery
Megan Costall – Recurve
Judo
Summer Shaw – 48kg
Flying the flag for Spain
In addition to the GB squad, Angel Diaz, a current UoB student, will represent Spain in the 110m Hurdles. His selection underlines the global reach and quality of Birmingham’s sporting community.
Meet the coaching staff heading to Germany
It’s not just athletes flying the flag. Five members of University of Birmingham coaching staff will also be travelling to Germany in key support roles for Team GB:
Julian Reid – Jumps Coach
Mike Bull – Throws Coach
Jethro McGraw – Endurance Coach
Cath Mijovic – Endurance Coach
Their involvement reflects the expertise and leadership nurtured within UBSport, and marks another proud moment for the University.
Pride and Purpose: A Message from Luke Gunn
Luke Gunn, Head of Student Sport, shared his pride in the University’s contribution:
“We are delighted to have so many students representing the University at the upcoming World University Games next month.
Our record 13 athletes make us the second largest contributor to the GB team, which is testament to the growing strength of Birmingham and its sports programmes.
The University is also proud to be contributing to the personal contributions required of each selected athlete to compete in this, the highest form of competition for the student athlete.
Finally, we are brimming with pride that a stunning five of our coaching staff will also be in Germany supporting GB students as coaching and team management staff.
We wish the best of luck to the whole GB team and UBSport will do our best to share updates on how to watch and keep up to date with their progress.”
Looking ahead to Rhine Ruhr
With representation across disciplines and every level of the support team, the FISU World University Games 2025 promises to be a landmark moment for Birmingham’s sporting community.
Stay tuned to UBSport for updates and stories from Rhine Ruhr as our student athletes take on the world.
