Two student-athletes from St Mary’s University’s, Twickenham, Endurance and Performance Centre (EPC) have been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2025 FISU World University Games, taking place from 21- 27 July in Germany.
Sam Charig will compete in the Men’s 1500m, while Josh Hobbs, captain of the EPC team, is set to race in the Half Marathon. Both athletes are enjoying great seasons and will be part of a British squad competing for medals at one of this year’s largest multi-sport events.
Josh commented: “I’m proud to have been selected to represent Great Britain at this year’s WUGs, and I hope to be able to put in a performance that outlines the hard work I have put in over the last few months in combination with my coach Craig Winrow as part of the EPC setup here at St Mary’s.”
Sam added: “I am delighted to have been selected for Great Britain for the first time at the world university games. The St Mary's EPC has contributed massively to my breakthrough season through its incredible support staff and fantastic facilities.”
The FISU World University Games Summer is expected to host around 8,500 student-athletes and officials from more than 150 countries. Athletics will be the largest sport by participation, with over 1,000 competitors across 51 events, highlighting its central role at the Games.
Sam heads to Germany having recently secured a podium finish at the British Milers Club Record Breaker event, which was hosted at St Mary’s University. Josh, meanwhile, played a key role in this year’s Ekiden Relay, helping St Mary’s secure a third-place finish against over 30 of the fastest universities and corporate teams.
The pair are the latest in a long line of successful athletes to emerge from St Mary’s EPC, one of England Athletics' Talent Hubs. The Centre has supported more than 50 GB internationals and a track record in developing Olympic and World Championship-calibre athletes, including Sir Mo Farah, Adelle Tracey, Jo Pavey, Beth Potter, Charlotte Purdue, Steph Twell, Ross Murray and Andy Vernon.