Former Edinburgh College student Allan Smith is heading to Chinese Taipei to compete in the Men’s High Jump at the World University Games 2017 this month.
The 24-year-old HND Fitness, Health and Exercise graduate was selected, along with 19 other student athletes, to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland as part of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) team at the games.
High jumper Allan, who completed his studies at Edinburgh College this year, will compete in the qualifying round of the Men’s High Jump on Wednesday.
The World University Games, also known as the Universiade, are an international multi-sports event for higher education athletes. The games are organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) every two years.
The Universiade is the second-largest multi-sport games after the Olympics with more than 10,000 participants from 150+ countries competing at world-class standard.
Napier University student Allan (above), who finished eighth in the European Indoor Championships earlier this year, said: “Preparations are going well and I am looking forward to representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland as part of the BUCS team. In previous years the standard at the games has been really high.
“I’ve been putting in some hard work in training, particularly on the track, and I’m feeling positive going into the competition. I’m hoping to reach the final and if all goes well be in with a shot of winning a medal.”
Allan was one of 10 Edinburgh College students awarded a Winning Students scholarship, funded by the Scottish Funding Council, last year.
The scholarships, managed by the University of Stirling, provide gifted young athletes studying at college or university in Scotland with funding support and the flexibility to achieve their sporting and academic goals.
Edinburgh College curriculum manager for Sport and Fitness Neil Mackenzie said: “Everyone at the college is rooting for Allan and we wish him the best of luck with the competition. It is great to see a student who was supported through the Winning Students scholarship scheme succeeding in their sport.”
Following the games Allan will be continuing his studies at Edinburgh Napier University.
The games will be held from 19 – 30 August in Chinese Taipei.
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