SUSF Elite Athlete Program (EAP) scholarship holder Thomas Lewis is heading to Italy after being selected to represent Australia at the 2013 World Winter Universiade Games (WWUG) in Trentino from December 11-21.
The University of Sydney Bachelor of Medical Science student was named in a 21-strong Uniroos team.
Lewis – who will become just the fifth alpine ski racer to represent Sydney Uni at a WWUG – has been selected in the team based on his International Ski Federation level races against international fields in Australia and overseas.
The other four racers are Brett Bennett (1997), Michael Dickson (2001), Fiona Rae (2003 and 2005) and Emma Wilson (2007).
“It’s a pretty amazing feeling being selected!” explained a clearly excited Lewis.
“2,500 athletes are expected to compete in the World University Winter Games, making it one of the world’s biggest sporting events.”
He will compete alongside fellow Uniroos team mates James Morrison (University of Melbourne
Morrison and Hodkinson have trained and raced with Lewis for about five years and are all members of the Australian Under 21 Alpine Team. All three race Slalom and Giant Slalom events in Australia, but Lewis also competes in Super G and Downhill in Europe and is currently ranked as Australia’s fifth best downhill racer.
Lewis and the rest of the team flew into Munich on November 23, and they are currently training at Hintertux in Austria.
Competing in Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and Downhill, Lewis is aiming for top 30 finishes in Super G and Downhill.
Australia will also be represented in the following sports: cross country skiing
The World University Winter Games or Winter Universiade is held every two years under the banner of the International University Sports Federation (FISU). The Winter Universiade comprises competition in 10 compulsory sports and some optional sports determined by the host.
