Postponed from its originally scheduled date in 2021, the 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer World University Games (WUG) took place in Chengdu, Sichuan province, from 28 July to 8 August.
For three of SUSS’ athletes who were selected to be part of the combined University team that represented Singapore at this year’s WUG, their participation in the Games was an embodiment of the slogan “Chengdu makes dreams come true”. Being presented with the opportunity to be a part of the Singapore Archery Team, final year student from SUSS' Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics degree programme, Isabel Tang, was feeling both excited and apprehensive. She reflected on her journey leading up to the competition, “It is my first time competing on the international stage and it is such an honour to be able to represent Singapore. The path to the Games was not easy – in addition to dedicating a minimum of four hours every day to archery, I had to juggle an internship and my studies.”
Committing at least four hours each day to training in the months leading up to the World University Games.
Isabel (fourth from left) together with the other members of the Singapore University Archery Team departing for Chengdu, China
The intense training in preparation for WUG resulted in Isabel sustaining a hand nerve injury, which made even the simple act of releasing an arrow a struggle. Fueled by the support she received from her coach, teammates, family, and the school, Isabel pushed through this challenging period. Despite her injury, Isabel admits her performance at the WUG fell short of her expectations, even though she managed to release all her arrows during the competition. Learning to embrace the highs and lows in her journey was one of the main takeaways from her first international competition experience. “This experience has nurtured my confidence and resilience as an athlete, and I will cherish this experience for a long time!”
Joshua Tay, Lead for Competition Groups (left) with Isabel standing in front of the 31st FISU Game Mascot
Pitting skills against university students from around the world
Darren Lee, a second-year student from SUSS' Bachelor of Sports and Physical Education degree programme who is no stranger to representing Singapore internationally as a national water polo player, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity. “For student-athletes, the WUG is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious multi-sports events and this has been such an eye-opening experience! I feel immense pride in being able to represent and give back to both the school and the nation. My heartfelt thanks to both the WUG team and SUSS for the unwavering support, and I eagerly look forward to the next WUG in 2025!”
Darren in action during a water polo match
Ariel (back row - second from left, # 10) passionately cheering on her teammates in the pool
Juggling academics, volunteering, training, and part-time work is no easy feat. Ariel Charis Lim, the penultimate-year student from SUSS' Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree programme, manages to navigate these various demands. “Determination, having a strong network of support, and finding happiness in the littlest things, makes the challenging journey a little easier.”
Congratulations to our SUSS student-athletes for their efforts and hard work. Best wishes to our athletes participating in the upcoming Singapore University Games!