Congratulations to the Australian sailing team who competed in the World University Championships in Italy from 6–10 June. The five athletes in the national team were all from the University of Tasmania.
After coming 3rd on Day 1, and dealing with dropping wind from Day 2, the Australian team came 8th overall, out of 16 crews. France came out on top. A fabulous effort and, by the look of it, a fabulous atmosphere.
The Australian team included:
- recent alumnus Josh Ragg (MBBS 2023 - Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery);
- along with skipper Sam King (studying a Bachelor of Maritime Engineering: Naval Architecture)
- Dervla Duggan (studying a Bachelor of Nursing)
- McKeira Cumming (studying a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science); and
- Jorja Cooper (studying a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education).
Credit: Fraglia Vela and FISU.
The International University Sport Federation’s (FISU) World University Championship Sailing was held in Desenzano del Garda, Italy.
Prior to departing, Australian skipper Sam King, a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Naval Architecture) student, said he was proud of the team’s achievements to date, winning Nationals for the last two years and now becoming Australia's team for the FISU World University Championship.
“We are very proud of our back-to-back wins,” Mr King said.
“Josh (Ragg) was part of the team that placed 3rd in 2019; he brought experience to the younger team.
“Australia has a rich sailing heritage; the team steps onto the global stage with the weight of this legacy,” he said.
“We’ll compete not only for UTAS but also for our country, a chance to showcase our talent and uphold the nation’s reputation.”
The FISU World University Championships provided student-athletes the opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s best athletes in an international competition, as well as providing significant pathway opportunities.
The athletes participated via Unisport Australia, which is the national university sport federation and a member of FISU.
- For more information on our Elite Sports Program, including an interview with Sam King, see the program’s website.
- If you’re interested in supporting our University student-athletes in sailing or other sports, please reach out to University.Giving@utas.edu.au
Credit: Fraglia Vela and FISU.
Read more about the team, in this story written before they departed for Italy.
Banner image: Skipper Sam King (left) and recent alumnus Josh Ragg (MBBS ‘23) at the sailing 2024 University World Championships in Italy. Credit: Fraglia Vela and FISU.