Student Athletes Celebrate an Unforgettable Experience at the 2025 World University Games

For New Zealand’s 84 student-athletes, the 2025 Rhine-Ruhr FISU World University Games (WUG) in Germany was about far more than results on the scoreboard. While podium finishes provided moments of pride, the overwhelming feedback from athletes highlighted just how much they valued the experience, the connections, and the chance to represent Aotearoa on the world stage.

A Life-Changing Experience

Survey results show that more than 90% of New Zealand athletes rated their Games experience as extremely beneficial to their development. Many described it as “phenomenal,” “incredible,” and “something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.” The sense of belonging within the wider New Zealand team, combined with the respect shown by international peers, made competing at WUG a powerful source of pride.

Athletes spoke of the challenge of shifting their mindset from domestic competition to facing some of the best student-athletes in the world. Far from being daunting, the step up was seen as motivating and confidence-building. “It’s just that extra step up from all the NZ competitions,” one athlete noted. Others reflected on how being recognised as Kiwis internationally fuelled their determination to perform to the best of their ability and uphold New Zealand’s reputation.

Belonging and Pride

The cultural and ceremonial aspects of the campaign were especially valued. From the team welcome and uniforms to the opening ceremny and final team dinner, these moments built a sense of identity and togetherness. Athletes consistently highlighted how much they enjoyed being part of a multisport environment - whether through shared meals, supporting other codes, or exchanging pins with athletes from around the globe.

Cross-sport camaraderie was frequently mentioned as a highlight. “I loved how we got to interact with other sporting codes as it wasn’t just a normal tournament, it meant more,” one participant said. Friendships were built across sports and nationalities, leaving many motivated to return for future international competitions.

Supported to Succeed

Another strong theme was the appreciation for the leadership and support staff. From the Chef de Mission to operations managers, physios, and volunteers, athletes repeatedly emphasised how cared for and valued they felt. The willingness of leaders to “pitch in” with practical tasks, the dedication of the physio team, and the visible presence of support staff at events all left a lasting impact.

Even athletes who did not require extensive support said that simply knowing help was available gave them reassurance and confidence. As one athlete put it: “I felt so welcomed and looked after. I knew if I needed anything, I was going to get the support I needed”.

Beyond Results

Of course, New Zealand celebrated moments of sporting success highlighted by double bronze medals in rowing and athletics on the same day, and a historic water polo quarter-final upset over Hungary. But equally important were the personal bests, top-four finishes, and individual stories of growth and resilience. For many, these achievements were just as meaningful as podium results, reflecting the determination and talent within the Kiwi delegation.

A Global Stage

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games themselves were a showcase of scale and ambition. Spread across five German cities; Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr, the event brought together more than 8,500 athletes from over 170 countries, competing in 18 sports. The Games reaffirmed their reputation as the world’s largest multisport event for student-athletes, offering both fierce competition and cultural exchange on a global stage.

Looking Ahead

As the surveys make clear, the impact of WUG extends far beyond medals. Athletes returned home not only as better competitors, but as more confident, connected, and inspired individuals. The experience sparked a powerful sense of pride and identity - one that they are determined to build on in future competitions.

Or, as one athlete summed it up perfectly:
“Just a huge thank you to the whole team for making an incredible experience for me that I will treasure for the rest of my life.”

ENDS

FISU World University Games

The FISU World University Games are the world’s largest multi-sport event for university athletes, held every two years and combining elite competition with cultural exchange.The next Summer Games will be hosted in Chungcheong, South Korea, from 1–12 August 2027. Learn more at chungcheong2027.com