HAVING a father who’s a former Olympic Games competitor means Simon Rogers is always striving to compete there too. While it’s not the Olympics, from August 19-30 middle distance runner, Simon, will take on the 1500m running event in the track and field contest at the 29th Summer Universiade, in Taipei. 

“This is the most prestigious event I have ever competed in, so it was a huge achievement for me to make this team by running a new personal best of 3:44,” Simon says.

Simon, a PhD candidate from the Southern Cross University, is based in Canberra where he works and conducts research at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Originally from New Zealand, Simon will represent New Zealand and Southern Cross University at Summer Universiade. 

To meet the qualifying standards for the World Uni Games, Simon first ran at the New Zealand National Championships in March, then embarked on a self-funded trip back to the American cities of Boston and Nashville to chase the required standard and new personal bests. His successful run at the Nashville Music City Distance Carnival in June lead him to being officially selected by Athletics New Zealand.

“I had to run faster than I have before to meet the standard and it was quite rigorous. Only 13 of us have been selected for athletics from our side of the ditch, compared to around 40 Aussies,” he says.

“I’d like to make a senior New Zealand team for the Commonwealth Games and I’m always striving to compete at an Olympic Games – it’s the pinnacle of sport.”