Uni Games give Izzy Euro boost
IZZY Christiansen is hoping the experience of competing at the 2013 World University Games will stand her in good stead for the upcoming Euro 2017 Championships.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Manchester City since joining in 2014 helping the team to success in the Continental Cup and FA Women’s Super League last year before playing a starring role as the Citizens triumphed 4-1 in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley last month.
Last weekend the Blues were just pipped to another trophy as Chelsea took top honours in the Women’s Spring Series on goal difference with City finishing as runners up.
Christiansen has little time to reflect on that though with the Euro 2017 Championships kicking off in the Netherlands on July 16.
The Macclesfield-born forward has experience of international tournament triumph having scored for Great Britain in the final at the 2013 World University Games (WUGS) to help her side secure gold while a student at the University of South Florida.
And Christiansen is hopeful that success can help her achieve glory this summer.
“I think that having that major tournament experience is really important at any level and I think that we went out there and did a great job for Great Britain – it was a great experience and definitely one which I’ll take forward with me going into the summer,” she said.
“I think that something that we will bear in mind going into the Euros in the summer is just to play with freedom, to relax and enjoy it, and I think that’s really important.
“I feel like a kid at Christmas. I can’t wait and there’s a real hunger within the team, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve.”
Held major biennially in cities across the
Iglobe, the World University Games (WUGS) sees athletes come together to compete across numerous sports with the Summer Universiade the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics.
This year Team GBR is preparing to send its largest delegation to the Games since 2011, with over 110 athletes set to compete across 13 sports in Chinese Taipei from August 19-30.
Speaking about the success four years ago, the sharpshooter could not contain her excitement at helping Great Britain beat Mexico in the final.
She said: “It was an amazing achievement – Mexico had some really good players at the time, so it was a great achievement for us.
“Obviously, was delighted to score in the final and the likes of Fran [Kirby] scoring was great as well.
“It’s an incredible experience. Staying in the athletes’ village, staying amongst so many other high-profile athletes that are looking to succeed on an international level as well; I think it’s going to be an amazing experience for the girls in August and one which I hope that they can succeed at.”
British Universities & Colleges Sport is the national governing body for Higher Education sport in the UK, organising leagues and competitions for more than 150 institutions across 52 sports. Over 110 athletes will represent the GB team at the 29th FISU Summer World University Games 2017 from 19-30 August.
‘Having that major tournament experience is really important’