Brothers skate their way to World University Winter Games

Gold Coast brothers Andrew and Jordan Dodds are on their way to Italy to represent Australia in figure skating at the 2013 World Winter Universiade Games this December.

The two Griffith students and members of the Griffith Sports College join a team of 21 Uniroos representing Australia at the ‘World Winter Universiade Games’ in Trentino, Italy from 11 to 21 December.

Speaking prior to his departure to compete in Melbourne at the Australian National Figure Skating Championships, older brother Andrew, a bachelor of commerce student said he is most looking forward to watching other Australian Athletes compete.

“The World Uni Winter Games includes a pretty wide range of winter sports,” he said.

“I am really hoping that I get a chance to go watch the aerial skiing as it has always been another sport that I would like to try and I enjoy watching.”

Whilst 20 year old Jordan is midway through a double degree in business, Andrew is due to graduate from a commerce degree this semester, yet will miss the ceremony at the Gold Coast on Monday 9 December due to travel and training commitments.

Having competed both nationally and internationally, at 22 years of age Andrew said he is already a veteran after competing at every Australian National Championship since 2002, with his highest placement being 3^rd in the top men’s division. He has also been Queensland State champion four years running.

“International figure skating events have taken me all around the world to compete in Japan, France, Turkey & Croatia just to name a few,” said Andrew.

“After the University Games I am hoping to gain selection to the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships at Taipei in Taiwan.

Andrew has been ice skating with his family since the age of four and says that he is driven by the desire to one day compete at the Winter Olympics.

“The Olympics is the greatest sporting event there is and it would be great to one day make the Australian team,” he said.

Held every two years the World University Winter Games or Winter Universiade is open to all student athletes and Australia will be represented in 7 of the 13 sports on offer, which are alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, freestyle skiing, short track speed skating and the biathlon.