Pip Huse takes advantage of Universiade opportunity and wins gold

Pip Huse (middle) with fellow teammates Jemima Montag (left) and Katie Hayward (right).

Universiade or World University Games, is a chance for the best young athletes from Universities all over the world to represent their home countries and compete on a global scale.

For some, it was an Olympic Games warm-up, for others it was win a medal or bust, but for Monash Engineering/Commence student Philippa (Pip) Huse, it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Pip Huse has been race walking since she was 6-years-old and attending the 2019 Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy saw all her years of training and hard work pay-off.

Huse competed in the 20km race walk, an event which she had never even completed until only February this year.

“In order to qualify for the Universiade I was required to achieve the qualifying standard of 1.40.33 for 20km,” Huse said.

“As well as this, the team only selected three athletes for the race walk and so I had to ensure I was qualifying in the top three.

“I competed in my first 20km race in February purely with the aim of finishing and seeing what I was capable of, and was very much taken by surprise as to how close I was to the qualifying time.” 

With a World University Games qualification in her sights, Huse had to find somewhere to race so she could make the qualifying time and join her fellow athletes in Italy. 

Pip Huse grinding it out in tough, humid conditions.

“Since there weren’t any other 20km racing opportunities around Australia within the required qualifying period, I ended up actually going to Japan and racing in the Asian 20km championships with a handful of other Australian walkers to try achieve the standard,” Huse said.

“This definitely put a lot of pressure on that race, but it paid off and was definitely worth it in the end!”

After qualifying for the games, Huse immediately turned her attention to the race ahead.

Huse said her expectations for the race were “competing and racing to the best of my own ability” and the only way to ensure she got the best from herself was “doing everything I could to best prepare”.

Leading into the race, Huse said she knew the Australian team was a chance at winning gold in the team event.

Surrounded by two extremely talented athletes – including Commonwealth Games star Jemima Montag – Huse said her performance would be crucial if the Australians were going to take gold.

“In order to be in the team event, a country was required to have three athletes competing and finishing,” Huse said.

“The collective finishing times of these three athletes then determined the team results.

“Going into the race, I was well aware that the Australian team definitely stood a chance at a medal and the possibility of gold was well within reach.

“My main concern for the race was without doubt the weather conditions and humidity.

“Finishing times would all be significantly slower than personal bests due to the heat and humidity of Italy, and the race would be a lot more about hanging in there, and having the grit and determination to finish.”

The three Australians combined to finish in a time of 4:51.36, ahead of Ukraine and China to win gold.

Huse finished 16^th overall in a time of 1:44.09 and said she relished the experience of walking in such tough international conditions. 

“It was such an inspiring atmosphere being surrounded by such dedicated and talented athletes,” Huse said.

“I absolutely loved the experience.”

Post-race celebrations after an excellent performance.

Competing against the best young talent in the world, representing the green and gold and walking away with a gold medal is no small feat and Huse said she will always remember her first Universiade. 

“The race itself and putting on the Australian gear is always an incredible feeling and being part of the winning team was amazing,” Huse said.

“Standing on the podium, particularly with the other two Australian walkers who are so incredibly talented, was an absolute honor and an experience I will never forget.”

For Huse, Universiade had many highlights and after an experience that was so special, she plans on returning in 2021 when the World University Games take place once again. 

“The opening ceremony and walking into the stadium was an incredible experience, however I would also say being able to mix with such top quality and inspiring athletes as a whole was unforgettable,” Huse said.

“I am very much looking forward to returning to training and setting new sporting goals and challenges for myself. 

“Since World University Games occurs every second year, an absolute dream for me would be to be selected for the team again in 2021.”

Pip Huse credited her mother as her number one fan and biggest racing inspiration. Huse said she appreciates everything her mother has done for her throughout training and preparation.

“My mother has played a significant influence in my life by always being my number one supporter and allowing me to have all the possible opportunities I have had,” Huse said.

“Race walking and athletics often requires a lot of travelling and she would always be willing to wake up early, drive me around before or after school, or be out there riding beside me on the bike to give me company and water!

“I am always so thankful for her endless support.”

Congratulations on your amazing performance Pip! Everyone at TeamMONASH is so proud and we can’t wait to see what you do next!

#BleedBlue #MonashPride

Written by Joseph Arthur, Media Coordinator