Athletics Australia – News – UNIVERSIADE: Wroe carries torch before opening ceremony tonight

Thousands of people were out in force on the streets of Shenzhen (CHN) for the 2011 Summer Universiade torch relay yesterday, as the city gears up for a spectacular opening ceremony tonight.

Olympian, Commonwealth Games and World Championship athlete Sean Wroe was chosen to represent the 220 strong Australian Uniroos team, the largest team ever assembled for a Summer Universiade.

"It's a big honour to have been selected to represent the Australian Uniroos in the torch relay for the 2011 Summer Universiade," Wroe said.

"I was due to arrive here today, but when I heard that I would be carrying the relay torch for Australia I changed my flight to arrive in time," he added.

Wroe sees the Summer Universiade as an important stepping stone in his preparation for the IAAF world championships in two weeks time, but is also keen to pick up another Summer Universiade medal.

"This is my third Universiade after competing in 2007 [Bangkok] and 2009 [Belgrade]."

Wroe will compete in the heats of the 400m on day four, Tuesday 16 August. The semi finals are on Wednesday 17 August, with the final on the evening of Thursday 18 August.

He will be joined on athletics start lists in Shenzhen by a further 17 track and fields stars when competition commences at the main stadium on Tuesday, August 16.

Leading the charge on track are Flame athletes Wroe and Lachlan Renshaw (800m), while IAAF world championships bound Anneliese Rubie and Caitlin Sargent will start in the women’s 400m.

In the field, dual triple jump national champion Linda Allen will be soul Australian in action.

A team guide, listing the athletes and officials involved in the event can be found here.

The 2011 Summer Universiade will be streamed live on FISU TV, starting with the Opening Ceremony on Friday 12 August – www.fisu.tv.

Summer Universiade
Shenzhen (CHN)
August 12-23, 2011
(Athletics: August 16-21)

MEN (9)
100m: Patrick Fakiye
400m: Sean Wroe
400m: Chris Troode
800m: James Kaan
800m: Lachlan Renshaw
1500m: James Nipperess
20km Walk: Ian Rayson
20km Walk: Brendon Reading
Decathlon: Stephen Cain

WOMEN (19)
400m: Caitlin Sargent
400m: Anneliese Rubie
800m: Kelly Hetherington
800m: Holly Noack
Half Marathon: Clare Geraghty
100m Hurdles: Shannon McCann
20km Walk: Nicole Fagan
20km Walk: Beki Lee
Triple Jump: Linda Allen

With thanks to Australian University Sport.

 

Athletics Australia – News