Challenge accepted
The World University Games in sight
BUW student Lennart Roos (left) is aiming for a personal best in the 400 metre hurdles. 50.50 seconds means the chance to take part in the World University Games // Photo private
From 16 to 27 July, the World University Games will take place in five cities on the Rhine and Ruhr as well as in Berlin. A total of 8,500 top student athletes from around 150 countries will come to Germany to compete in 18 sports: 3x3 basketball, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, archery, fencing, gymnastics, judo, athletics, rhythmic gymnastics, rowing, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, water polo and water jumping. The athletics competitions for which Lennart Roos wants to qualify will be held from 21 to 27 July at the Lohrheide Stadium in Bochum.
What does the opportunity to take part in the World University Games mean to you - especially in your own country, so close to home?
Lennart: The World University Games in your own country are something very special! Of course, you always want to get to know another country at international competitions. But having my whole family and friends there is even cooler for me, that would be the best thing. I also became German champion for the first time in the stadium in Bochum. I like that corner!
What is important for you to be able to take part?
Lennart: The qualifying time is 50.50 seconds and I have to have run that by the beginning of June. For me, that means running a personal best. The preparation is going well and I'm just looking forward to tackling this challenge. I always say "I'll do my best and God will do the rest".
Top-class sport and studying - how does that work for you?
Lennart: Sometimes it's quite stressful with up to nine or ten sessions a week and then sitting in a lecture hall when you're physically completely knackered. But somehow it always works out and I make good progress. I have to stretch out my studies a bit, but that's not so bad. I also want to do a bit of sport before I go to work.
Quite a double burden. What helps you through low motivation levels?
Lennart: My inner drive, which always wants more and more. But when things get really low, my closest friends and also my faith. Those two things get me back on track very quickly!
What's your favourite thing to do on a day without university, training or a competition?
Lennart: Two colleagues come round to my place and we make ourselves a nice coffee from the portafilter machine. Then we go to watch Bayer Giants basketball, where a few of our friends are playing, and then we all go to Kebabland in Cologne. That's what almost every Sunday looks like. (laughs)
Brief profile
Name: Lennart Roos
Age: 23
Field of study at BUW: Combined Bachelor of Arts in Sports Science and English Studies
Sport & current club: Athletics, TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen
This is how I got into hurdling: I played football for eleven years until my father took me to athletics training a few times when I was 17 and I really enjoyed it. He then said to me that I should do 400 metres hurdles from now on, as my mother used to be very good at it too. I've never done anything else.
The success that I remember most fondly: the bronze medal at the German Championships in the Olympic Stadium. All my friends and almost my whole family were there. I think in the end 35 people from my inner circle travelled from Neuwied to Berlin. I'll never forget that.
What I appreciate about the BUW is that the lecturers are often lenient if I'm late for a seminar or have to leave early. Generally a very nice environment.
Further information
All information on the programme, sports venues and tickets can be found on the official website of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.
