“Being surrounded by so many athletes balancing study and training was so inspiring”

The Australian UniRoos took to the international stage at the 2026 FISU World University Cross Country Championships in Cassino, Italy from 14-15 March. Imogen Baker and Ben Bishop share their experiences from Italy.

In the lead-up to the Championships, the UniRoos faced travel and logistical uncertainty in getting to Cassino, with some student-athletes who were due to compete unable to make the journey because of flight disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Amid these challenges, it was a successful Championships for Australia, with Skye Ellis (Northwestern University, Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering) claiming silver in the Women’s Short Cross 3km event with a time of 9:56, finishing just +7.00 behind the winner in a stacked international field.

UniSport Australia (UniSport) was able to gain insight into the Championships experience through UniRoos Imogen Baker (Monash University, Bachelor of Nutrition Science) and Ben Bishop (The University of Sydney, Bachelor of Exercise Physiology) who shared a deeper look into what it meant to compete at the Championships, the competition atmosphere, and the opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage.

Take us inside race day – what was the experience like representing the UniRoos at the Cassino 2026 FISU World University Championship Cross Country?

For Imogen, the opportunity to compete in the green and gold was made even more special by the team atmosphere surrounding the event. “Being able to race in the green and gold was an incredible experience. Having Monte Cassino as the backdrop, combined with all the competing nations flags along the course, added so much depth to the weekend’s races.”

Similarly, Ben highlighted the importance of the team environment in shaping his race day experience. Competing in the men’s 3km alongside a full Australian team of four, the group had built a strong bond in the days leading into competition, helping create a relaxed and focused atmosphere. Carrying that momentum into the race, he reflected on a performance he was proud of. “The race itself was really good. My two main goals were to come in the top half of the field and be the first Australian across the line, both of which I was able to do, finishing in 18th position. I executed my race plan really well, and I am extremely proud of my performance. We were also well supported by our team managers and the rest of the UniRoos.”

Beyond race day, how would you describe the UniRoos team environment and camaraderie throughout the Championship?

The UniRoos team environment and camaraderie throughout their time in Cassino was a defining part of the experience for both athletes. Despite meeting many of their teammates for the first time during the event, they described an immediate sense of connection and support within the group.

“Being surrounded by so many athletes balancing study and training was so inspiring, and it made for great conversations and connections,” Imogen shared, highlighting that the team support on and off the track made the experience more enjoyable. Ben added that the Australian team felt like family after their time together.

Looking back on the Championships, what was your standout moment and why did it mean so much to you?

For Imogen, the moments leading into race day stood out most. “The main pinch-me moment would have to be heading into the call room and being there pre-race, because even though you’re running through the same routine you do for every race, this time you’re surrounded by some of the best student-athletes in the world and preparing to compete on the world stage,” noting that it was a privilege to do her race wearing green and gold.

For Ben, standout moments came both on and off the course. “The race days were amazing, having the opportunity to pull on the green and gold for the first time meant so much to me as it’s been a dream of mine to represent Australia in running since I started the sport at the age of seven,” adding that the post-race celebrations were also a highlight as it brought athletes together to celebrate and reflect on the experiences and friendships formed.

What did it mean to represent Australia as a student-athlete on the world stage?

“Being selected for this team was a great reflection and reward for all the work I’ve put into training and racing, and it motivates me to keep pushing myself,” Imogen said, adding that it was a reminder that it is possible to balance high-performance sport alongside study.

Ben referred back to it being a dream of his since he was a child to represent Australia in running. “To finally have that opportunity was so incredible as there have been many times over my athletic career that I thought this would never happen. The experience was everything I hoped it would be,” he shared, noting that the friendships formed are ones he will cherish forever.

How will this experience shape your journey moving forward, both in your sport and at university?

For Imogen, the experience of representing the UniRoos was a valuable learning opportunity in terms of travel and the demands of international competition. “It was a big confidence boost and provided a clearer sense of what I’m capable of in my sport. Being able to focus on training, while balancing the challenges of a university schedule wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my university.”

Whilst for Ben, the Championships marked a defining moment in his athletic, personal and professional journey. “This experience showed me that I belong on the world stage, and that I can be competitive at that level against highly talented runners. After getting a taste of it, all I want to do is experience it again” he shared, adding that beyond sport, the experience broadened his perspective on the talent within the global sporting community. As a student at USYD, he has been able to balance high-performance sport alongside his studies thanks to the programs set up for elite athletes at the university, shaping both his athletic and professional development. As he prepares to graduate, these insights will carry into Ben’s career as an Exercise Physiologist, helping him connect with others, while also inspiring him to potentially explore opportunities to work overseas in the future.

A World Stage Experience to Remember

Both student-athletes reflected on their UniRoos experience as a highlight of their sporting journeys, combining high-level competition with meaningful personal connections.

“Being part of a team on the world stage has only strengthened my drive to keep improving and earn more opportunities like this” Imogen said, emphasising that it was a rewarding and unique experience for student-athletes, brought together by their common task of balancing both study and sport. “It brings together elite competition with the shared identity of being both students and athletes, creating a rare sense of understanding and unity.”

Ben expressed a similar view, highlighting the value of the Championships in providing an opportunity to compete against, and meet like-minded individuals who are at a similar stage in life. “It provides an incredible platform to make international and Australian friends, and an amazing taste of what international competition looks like,” adding that it was one of the best experiences of his life.

Together, Imogen and Ben’s insights capture the unique nature of the World University Cross Country Championships, where competition is paired with shared experiences, creating strong connections and offering valuable exposure to the global sporting stage.