They come from all over the world and share a passion for storytelling, media and sport. Next July, they will join 28 more members of an ambitious Young Sports Media Talents programme to cover the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.
Founded back in 2011, the FISU-AIPS Young Reporters Programme offers the opportunity to students who are passionate about media and sport to get a rare and precious hands-on experience during one of the biggest multi-sport event in the world.
The Young Reporters Programme takes journalism students (aged 20 to 25) or recent graduates in the fields of journalism and communications or digital media from all continents right into the heart of the multi-sport event for its entire duration, with full access to the competition venues and the Main Press Centre. Over this fortnight, participants are immersed in a multi-cultural learning experience that challenges them in many different ways and are joined by journalism peers from the host nation.
Lectures, mentorship and culture
In addition to covering sporting events at the FISU Games, participants also take part in lectures delivered by experienced media and communications professionals and expert mentorship from current sports journalists.
The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games Organising Committee built on the existing programme to propose a very unique and ambitious plan: The Young Sports Media Talents. This includes aspiring journalists from Germany, the European Union and the rest of the world, photographers and commentators, but also the launching of an educational platform.
Ten International Young Reporters will be covering the upcoming Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. Six of them come from outside Europe and the four others will travel from countries which are part of the European Union! Read on to discover the people who will allow you a closer look into university sport’s top event this summer. Meet Coby, Duslem, Fisher, Iretomiwa, Lara, Mary, Sarah, Sophie, Soyoung and Valentina as they introduce themselves.
Coby Moratti from New Zealand
Coming from New Zealand, Coby Moratti will cross the planet – like many participating student-athletes – to experience the FISU World University Games in the Rhine-Ruhr region. A pure Kiwi, he is currently interning at Newstalk ZB while in his third year of a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications degree at the New Zealand Broadcasting School, one of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Organising Committee’s partner schools.
Coby says he grew up swimming, surfing and competing in Surf Life Saving surfing on the New Zealand beaches and that his whole life has been moulded around sports and media. “I am a sponge for knowledge. All I want to do is learn, improve and become a batter journalist”, said the 22-year-old who speaks both English and Maori.
“When I saw the email come through saying I’d been selected, it was later at night but I ran to tell mum and dad and woke them up. I was so shocked but felt so grateful”, laughed Coby Moratti, who already has some experience in front of the camera. “In Germany, outside of working and interacting with everyone at the FISU World University Games, I cannot wait to try an Authentic German Pretzel Bun (Laugenbrötchen), as well as just experiencing an amazing country and meeting as many new and interesting people as I can.”
Düşlem Gökgöz from Türkiye
Despite being 23-years-old, Düşlem Gökgöz has already managed to gain quite a lot of experience in the organisational world. She has been working as a head of Press and Public in the Türkiye Gymnastics Federation since September 2022. Ad before that, she worked at the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games as a media officer.
Düşlem is an English Language Teaching graduate from Eskişehir Osmangazi University, who previously studied Media and Communication at Eskişehir Anadolu University
Working as a Young Reporter at the Rhine-Ruhr FISU World University Games will allow her to work on the other side, in the position of the journalists she usually helps achieve their tasks.
“In sports, history is written many times, but very few are lucky enough to witness it live and fewer get to tell those stories”, said an excited Düşlem. “Of course, I also want to learn from experienced professionals and better understand how sports media operates behind the scenes in the international area.”
Fisher Madsen from the USA
Fisher Madsen is a student from the programme’s second partner university, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (USA). The 20-year-old American has been interested in sports writing since his sophomore year of high school, and he wrote for the local newspaper for three years. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he has covered events such as Division I college football, basketball, and volleyball.
Fisher enjoys photography as much as writing. For him, covering the FISU World University Games is be the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I’ve wanted to be a sports reporter since I was quite young. Here you see me covering a basketball game”, explained Fisher Madsen. “Participating in the Young Reporters Programme will greatly help my career ambitions. It will be a valuable experience to learn from and work with other reporters, which will give me experience outside the current scope of what I’ve done. Additionally, an event with the magnitude of the FISU World University Games will provide a unique experience for me and my abilities would help provide the best coverage possible for the games. I love traveling to cover sports; going overseas to cover an event with such a scope will be unforgettable.”
Iretomiwa Jagunna from Nigeria
Iretomiwa Jagunna is passionate about sports development, with a keen interest in bringing attention to up-and-coming athletes and community-based sporting events, delivering authentic and engaging content that highlights the heart of sports at both pro and amateur level.
Jagunna holds a bachelor of agriculture from Landmark University and the keen footballer won the “sportsman of the year award” in 2018, 2021 and 2022! He has also organised football camps for underprivileged children of his community.
“Sport brings people together and this is one of the things I find intriguing and exciting about sports. Despite the cultural and language differences, it just has its own way to make people unite, whether it’s cheering for your favorite team or athlete. As a sport reporter you give detailed analysis to what contributed to a team’s win, highlighting the efforts of athletes, and shed light on key issues such as equality and mental health in sports. I want to be part of that; offering my thoughts and sharing stories that make fans think deeply and care more about the games they love.”
“When I found out that I was selected to attend the FISU Young Reporter’s Programme, I wasn’t just excited. I was so ecstatic that I read the mail five times”, said Iretomiwa Jagunna. “To be part of the selection is a dream come true. This is not only just about capturing the moment but I get to travel to another country for the first time, experience a new culture, their lifestyle as well as interact with other young, passionate reporters like me. Overall, I also get to experience the heart and soul of different sports up close, the thrills, emotions and excitement that Universities all over the world are tuning in to see. To crown it all, I’m looking forward to creating memories, soaking up the atmosphere and being part of something special.”
Lara Zugck from Germany
Lara Zugck finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Science – profile Media and Communication at Eberhard Karls Universität in Tübingen one year ago and is now studying for her Master’s Degree in Sports Management at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz.
“Last summer, I worked with Fortuna Düsseldorf, photographing training sessions, matches, and events”, explains Lara. “This experience fuelled my passion for sports media and gave me valuable insights into professional sports event coverage. Now, I am eager to further develop my expertise in photography and live reporting to refine my skills comprehensively.”
A keen dressage rider with a passion for basketball, Lara has studied most of her life in German and English and did an exchange programme in London when she was younger. Multitasking is one of her strengths, as well as teamwork and flexibility. She has tried many work experiences and being a Young Reporter at the Rhine-Ruhr FISU World University Games will definitely be the cherry on the cake.
“My ultimate career goal is to work in sports journalism across various media formats, including print, radio, and digital platforms”, said the 25-year-old. “I am 25-year-old so this is my last chance to participate in this project and I am highly motivated to make the most of it and fully commit to the programme with passion and dedication. The prospect of working alongside young talents from around the world and growing in this inspiring environment motivates me greatly!”
Mary O’Sullivan from Ireland
Mary O’Sullivan is Irish, but just graduated in communication at the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. She has a strong passion for journalism and digital media. Throughout her studies, she has honed her skills in interviewing, editing and multimedia, enabling her to put stories out on very diverse platforms.
“The most exciting part about being in Rhine-Ruhr this summer is being immersed in the energy of world-class competition while telling the stories that unfold on and off the field”, said the 20-year-old. “Whether it’s a nail-biting win or the behind-the-scenes journey of an athlete, capturing those moments is a privileged thing to be able to do. I enjoy working in fast-paced environments and thinking creatively as situations rapidly develop. In this way, sports media is the perfect platform! I want to develop the skills to write with confidence about sports and learn how to adapt my storytelling for this high-energy environment. Being a part of this programme is a unique chance to learn by doing.”
Sarah Maat from Canada
Sarah Maat admits she fell in love with sports journalism while covering university sports when she was at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. “Although I was getting a university English degree, books never brought me as much joy as interviewing athletes and working at the school newspaper did”, admitted the 24-year-old. “I quickly learned I had a passion for storytelling and I wanted to help amplify and share the experiences of athletes.”
“Now, I’m working at Sportsnet and covering professional sports on a national level, but I’m still looking for other opportunities to tell stories of impact about athletes”, confirmed Sarah Maat. “That’s why I’m so excited for the FISU Young Reporters Programme. I can’t wait to return to covering university sports—my first love! And, I’m eager to learn more about journalism while making new friends and memories along the way.”
Sophie Wisely from Australia
Sophie Wisely recently completed my Bachelor of Media (Communication and Journalism) and a Bachelor of Arts (English and Indigenous Studies) at the University of New South Wales, where she scored a Distinction average. Alongside this, she has have garnered extensive experience and accolades within the media industry in sports journalism and digital content creation. As a previous sports reporter with the Australian motorsport publication Speedcafe.com and current freelance writer for FIA governing body Motorsport Australia, she understand the importance of effective newsgathering and attention to detail in copywriting in high pressure circumstances.
“I’m so honoured and excited to be chosen for the 2025 FISU Young Reporter Programme”, said Sophie Wisely. “I am a passionate young female journalist who has gained diverse experience in sports reporting and welcome the opportunity to immerse myself in a global media programme covering the University Games. The scheme aligns with my career aspirations and offers an invaluable platform to learn, network and grow my skills in sports journalism while contributing to the content during the University Games. I cannot wait to work alongside young, like-minded journalists and learn from experienced mentors in the sports media landscape, it is such an amazing opportunity!”
Soyoung Bang from the Republic of Korea
As an undergraduate majoring in Global Sports Industry with a second major in International Development cooperation, Soyoung Bang is passionate about the power of sport—not only as competition, but as a medium for education, youth empowerment, and intercultural understanding.
Her journey in sports reporting began as a student journalist for the Korea University Sports Federation (KUSF), where she wrote over 20 published articles, conducted interviews with athletes, and produced on-site content across various disciplines. In 2024, she worked as an IOC Young Reporter at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, gaining hands-on experience in international sports journalism under the guidance of Olympic Broadcasting Services. These experiences shaped her belief that storytelling in sport can be a tool for connection, empathy, and peace.
“As someone who thrives at the intersection of education, media, and international sport, I am excited by the opportunity to further develop my journalism skills with FISU while contributing to the spirit of university sports. I am confident that my global perspective, practical experience, and commitment to meaningful storytelling make me a strong fit for the programme.”
“I was beyond thrilled to be chosen as a FISU Young Reporter!” cheered the keen fencer Soyoung Bang. “I’m not just excited for the games — I’m excited for the stories waiting quietly behind every whistle, cheer, and finish line. I can’t wait to see what inspiring stories await us in Rhine-Ruhr.”
Valentina Rasini from Italy
Valentina Rasini is a graduate in Psychosocial Sciences of Communication from the University of Milan-Bicocca. With a solid academic background in media, psychology, and marketing, she currently works as a Marketing & Communication Assistant at a global HR consultancy. She mainly creates bilingual content, manages international campaigns, and analyses performance data.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the sports world, but my passion for sports journalism was sparked by the Sports Reporting Programme for Milano Cortina 2026. After being selected, I joined a full-day Olympic media training focused on writing techniques and the values of sports reporting. The programme concluded with a simulation, after which I was invited to cover the Milan event of the Short Track World Tour. That day was a turning point for me: being part of the action and interviewing athletes made me realise how much I want to pursue this path. Although I was later selected as a reserve for the Games, I stayed in touch with the coordinators, who actually recommended this very opportunity. I would be honoured to bring my enthusiasm, communication skills, and passion for storytelling to the FISU Games”
“Sport has always been a big passion of mine, both practicing it and following major events”, explained Valentina. “Through my studies, I developed a strong interest in communication, and I’m excited to combine these two passions by applying my skills to the sports industry. I believe sport is a powerful connector, and I can’t wait to experience that energy in Rhine-Ruhr this summer. I look forward to exploring the behind-the-scenes of sports communication and major events, understanding how everything works and gaining the knowledge I need to build a future career in this amazing field.”
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