UQ athletes perform on world stage

Two of UQ’s leading track and field stars have done Australia proud with outstanding performances at the recent World University Games in Bangkok.

Having found local competition a little too easy after three consecutive UQ Great Court Race successes and a gold at the 2007 Queensland Championships, Mitchell Kealey made light work of the 1500m heats before finishing ninth in the final.

Out in the field, E.T. Brown Scholarship holder Joshua Robinson showed why he is Australia’s pre-eminent javelin thrower by claiming fifth with a massive launch of 77.86 metres.

After taking the silver at this year’s Australian Championships, Mr Robinson used the Games as part of final preparations for the IAAF Athletics World Championships which began last week in Osaka.

Australian sprint sensation Melanie Kleeberg was set to join her fellow UQ students in Thailand, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Australia finished 14th in overall standings with three gold, five silver and three bronze. China finished top of the table with 32 gold, ahead of Russia with 28 gold.

The World University Games are held every two years, bringing students together to participate in the world’s second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics.

Media: Stephen Danckert (07 3346 7519, stephend@uqsport.uq.edu.au) or Rachel Hawksford (07 3345 6031, rachelh@uqsport.uq.edu.au)