Australian student runners reflect on their first world university experience

Australian student-athletes Imogen Baker and Ben Bishop reflected on their experience at the World University Cross Country Championships in Cassino on 14–15 March. Flight disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict prevented some selected teammates from travelling.

Bishop, an exercise physiology student at the University of Sydney, finished eighteenth in the men’s 3km and was the first Australian home. Baker, studying nutrition science at Monash University, described the support she received while balancing international competition with university commitments.

The team’s standout result was Skye Ellis’s women’s 3km silver in 9:56, seven seconds behind the winner. Baker and Bishop said relationships with fellow students and runners shaped their experience, while competing overseas strengthened their confidence and motivation to seek further international opportunities.