2015 Australian University Games

Despite having a smaller squad this year, the University of Melbourne put forth a good effort to take home several golds, silvers and bronze medals in this year’s Australian Uni Games in Gold Coast, Queensland.

In the ladies’ meet, Isabelle Napier defended her title in the pole vault to achieve back to back golds from 2014 to 2015. In her AUG premiere, Lizzie Hedding put in a massive effort to claim the bronze medal in the heptathlon, achieving four personal best in individual events and an overall personal best of 4600 points. Another first time AUG participant, Grace Kalac, placed 5th and 7th respectively in the 1500m and 800m races. Finally, the University of Melbourne places 5th in the sprint medley relay headed by Lizzie Hedding, Isabelle Napier, Elise Ponchard and Grace Kalac.

On the men’s side, Joel Baden jumped an astounding 2.26m in the men’s high jump, setting a new AUG championship record and just missing out on a personal best with three attempts at 2.31m. The effort earned Baden both a gold medal and a “green and gold” medal, given to athletes that put forth an extraordinary performance. Adam Pyke pulled off a rare double gold in both the men’s 1500m and 800m races. In the the 1500m, Pyke was clearly in control by out running the field with a blistering 3:51. The 800m saw a bit more drama, with Pyke inevitably drawing away from the field in the final 150m with a time of 1:50. Jack Plunkett took home silver in the men’s pole vault in his first ever unigames while Alex Di Medio just missed the podium with his personal best performance of 48.80 in the men’s 400m finals.

The University of Melbourne’s men placed 8th in the championship overall, with Melbourne Uni’s women taking out the 9th spot

Report by Captain America