Back-To-Back Bronzes For New Zealand At Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games
Team NZ's first medal of the Games came on the water in Duisburg, where Frances Casey and Isobel Watson delivered a composed and commanding race in the Women's Rowing Pair final. The duo made a strong start off the line and held their position throughout the course, maintaining their rhythm under pressure from a world-class field. Their consistency and control paid off as they crossed the line in third to secure New Zealand's first medal of the Games.
Moments later, in nearby Bochum, middle-distance runner Kimberley May followed up with New Zealand's second bronze medal in the Women's 1500m final. May was the sixth qualifier for the final after winning her heat in 4:17.06.
These back-to-back bronze medals brought an electric buzz to the New Zealand team camp, giving the entire delegation a shared moment to celebrate as the Games came to a close.
University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand Executive Director and Deputy Head of Delegation for the Games Sarah Anderson reflected on the emotional final day:
'To have two medals come in almost simultaneously, in two different cities, was incredibly special. It lifted the whole team and reminded us all of what's possible. Kimberley, Frances, and Isobel have done themselves and New Zealand proud.'
While the medals were a standout moment, New Zealand's broader performance at the Games reflected the strength and resilience of its emerging student-athletes on the world stage. Across sports including athletics, rowing, 3x3 basketball, fencing, archery, taekwondo, water polo, gymnastics, and beach volleyball, Kiwi athletes produced numerous personal bests, notable fourth place finishes, and consistent top-10 results.
Competing against some of the world's best including Olympians, world champions, and athletes from powerhouse sporting nations, Team NZ showed it could hold its own, earning respect and recognition for their skill, sportsmanship, and team spirit.
Held across five cities - Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr - the Rhine Ruhr 2025 Games brought together more than 8,500 student-athletes from over 170 countries.
With friendships made, standards lifted, and the fern flying high, the team now turns its eyes toward the future with the 2027 Summer World University Games in Chungcheong, South Korea already on the horizon.
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