April 4, 2018

UOW students go for gold in Commonwealth Games

Nicholas Kay and Wesley Roberts to take on Gold Coast. 

UOW students Nicholas Kay and Wesley Roberts will take to the court and pool this week as the 2018 Commonwealth Games kick off on the Gold Coast.

Held from 4-15 April, more than 70 nations will compete in 18 sports and seven para-sports.

Nicholas will don the green and gold, representing Australia in basketball, while Wesley will represent the Cook Islands in swimming.

“I’m really excited, the Commonwealth Games is such an exciting experience – it’s not like any other normal games,” Nicholas said.

For Nicholas, establishing a solid routine both on and off the court has allowed him to continue his studies in exercise science and rehabilitation at UOW while representing the Illawarra Hawks, and now Australia, in basketball.

“It’s always a tough balance, but the support and assistance I get from UOW plays a big part, especially when it comes to organising schedules and classes around going away for tournaments,” he said.

Wesley, who is competing in the men’s 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 1500m freestyle, is currently studying medical and radiation physics at UOW.

He said communication is the key to balancing sporting and study commitments.

“I have a meeting with the head of students before the start of each session and I also make sure to speak to my lecturers about any sporting commitments I might have,” Wesley said.

“I also talk to my coach about what’s happening with sport and uni. Some days are easier than others, but I always find a way to get it all done.”

Wesley, who moved to Australia at four years old, also represented the Cook Islands in the men’s 1500m freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“Rio was amazing, you can never quite put it into words – representing your country on that level and being surrounded by some of the best in the world,” he said.

UOW would like to wish all of our student athletes, both past and present, the very best of luck in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.