22 December 2008

Following close consultations with British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS), UK Athletics (UKA) have elected not to nominate a team for this summer’s World University Games, due to several date clashes with other key competitions.

The Universiade – as it is internationally known – will take place in Belgrade, Serbia on 1-12 July, clashing directly with the AVIVA World Championships Trials and UK Championships in Birmingham on 10-12 July.

The scheduling also means that the event sits awkwardly in between the AVIVA European U23 & European U20 Trials in Bedford on 27/28 June and the European U23 Championships on 16-19 July in Kaunus, Lithuania, potentially causing an overcrowded schedule for dozens of athletes at a crucial phase of the season.  The World University Games – which is held bi-annually – has usually taken place in mid-August.

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive of UK Athletics said: “The World University Games have been a valuable development competition for British athletes in the past and will continue to be so in the future. Unfortunately, on this occasion the scheduling has left us in an impossible situation.

“UK Athletics believes that when British athletes represent the nation in international championships, they should do so with the best possible preparation, so they are able to perform at their peak. We would not wish to submit a team just for the sake of taking part and as a consequence have elected not to nominate a team for this year’s Games. We wish British athletes from other sports every success in Serbia.” 

Karen Rothery, Chief Executive of British Universities & Colleges Sport said: “We are obviously disappointed with, but understand, UKA’s decision. The event is a unique multi-sport opportunity for students and universities in profiling the athletics stars of the future.

“Despite this, we appreciate the busy and crucial programme planned for GB athletes in 2009; and as we get closer to London 2012 it is extremely important for athletes to maintain the best training and preparation throughout the season.”