(ATR) Student athletes from among the 162 competing nations tell Around the Rings they're having a great time at the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan.
One of the emerging stars competing in track and field has been 23-year-old U.S. sprinter and hurdler Vashti Thomas.
Thomas took gold in the 100m hurdles in a Universiade record time of 12.61 and then added a silver medal on Friday evening, leading off the U.S. women’s 4 x 100m relay team. She also competed in the long jump.
"My experience here has been awesome and I feel like this is the best preparation you can have for possibly going to the Olympics," said Thomas, after her team’s silver medal performance at Central Stadium in front of a near capacity crowd. "I feel like I learned a lot here and it will help me get to the next level."
For Thomas, who runs for the NCAA Division Two Academy of Art University in San Francisco, it was the largest international stage that she has competed on.
"I don’t think enough people pay attention; I feel like this event is completely underestimated," Thomas said. "There are a lot of Olympians here and people going to the world championships.
"This is by far the best track meet that I’ve ever been to. I’ve liked the whole Russian culture and everyone here has treated me so nice – it’s really been an amazing experience."
Andreas Vojta of Austria, a 2012 Olympian, raced to a bronze medal in the men’s 800-meters, just missing silver by one-hundredth of a second. He also gave the Kazan Games high marks.
"I was very surprised at the size of the whole event," Vojta said shortly after the 800-meter final. "I have never been to the World University Games, but I experienced London last year. This has reminded me of London. The village and the food tent is nearly the same."
Vojta, 24, is preparing to run in the 1500-meters at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Moscow in August. The Summer Universiade, he says, was great preparation.
"Tonight the stadium is nearly full with maybe 15,000 people," he said. "It’s not just a little meet for students – it’s a really big thing here even compared to London."
The Canadian beach volleyball duo of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Taylor Pischke met the top seeded Russian team in the semifinals Friday at the "Kazanka" Beach Volleyball Center. Despite putting forth their best effort in what was a tight match, the Canadians were defeated. However, it didn’t dampen their overall experience.
"It’s been really fun, really friendly here and the venue and city itself has been really awesome," said Humana-Paredes, 20. "We definitely will cherish this and learn a lot from it. The whole experience of the Summer Universiade has been mind-blowing."
Pischke, 20, paid a nice compliment to the young Russian volunteer standing beside her and her teammate.
"This one is my favorite – she’s been our team leader and little translator," Pischke said about her new Russian friend.
"She’s super friendly and helpful. So far I have a very happy, good, friendly image of the Russians. They’re a little strict on the security, but that’s OK. We’re having a good time here."
Life in the Athletes Village
More than 10,000 student athletes are living in close quarters at an enormous Athletes Village comprised of 28 air-conditioned residential buildings, a Main International Center with just about any service imaginable and a huge dining tent offering everything from sushi to local Russian specialties. Encompassing 53 square hectares, the grounds have the aura of a very busy, yet friendly college campus with individuals from 162 countries mixed together.
In the Main International Center, which athletes enter immediately after passing thorough security, one can shop for souvenirs, learn about the history of the Games at the Universiade museum or even check in for departing flights, while dropping off luggage before leaving for the airport. On the third floor is a bustling 1000-square-meter, state-of-the art Techno Gym with a basketball court next to it.
Cuisine from around the world is available at the gigantic dining hall tent where athletes can eat as much as they want at nearly all hours of the day and night.
"The food is great and everything is for free," said Latvian rugby player Davis Bajars. "There is so much to eat and every day I try something new, but mostly I eat European food because it is the closest to me."
On Saturday afternoon, Hungarian water polo captain Bianka Pocsi was surprised with a birthday cake and small party from her teammates.
"It is a big surprise – I am so happy with my teammates," Pocsi said, shortly after blowing out the candles.
Bianka’s birthday came one day prior to the team’s important semifinal water polo match versus Canada.
"I think you probably know what my birthday wish is," joked Pocsi.
Other amenities and services at the Athletes Village include a super market, beauty salon, dry cleaning services, a non-denominational religious center and even a flower shop for Games-time romances. Near the back of the village there is a creatively designed lounge area where athletes can kick back or challenge one another in table tennis, chess or video games, among numerous other forms of entertainment.
Next to the lounge is an alcohol free disco – as is the entire Athletes Village – and an outdoor concert stage with live music happening every evening.
With so many attractive young male and female athletes from across the globe spending substantial time together at the village, one might wonder if it can become a challenge for some to remain focused on their sporting endeavors.
"During the day, it’s easy because we have practice," said Bajars, who begins competition with his Latvian teammates in Rugby 7’s on Sunday. "But when night comes it’s a little bit tougher. There is always a party at the disco over there and then it’s a little bit of trouble."
Presented by the Russian Olympic Committee
Reported in Kazan by Brian Pinelli
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