Emelia Surch to Represent Australia at the World University Games!

In the vibrant world of Australian athletics, Emelia SURCH is emerging as a standout heptathlete with a story that extends far beyond the track. At just 21 years old, she has already represented Australia on the global stage — most notably at the World U20 Championships in Colombia, where she placed an impressive 4th in the long jump with a leap of 6.45m.

Now, Emelia has reached another exciting milestone: she has been selected to represent Australia at the 2025 World University Games in Germany this July, where she will compete in the 100m hurdles and heptathlon.

This selection marks a crucial step on Emelia’s path to the senior World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic qualification. With a rare combination of speed, strength, and technical prowess, she is widely regarded as one of the brightest all-round talents in Australian athletics.

However, representing Australia on the international stage is a privilege that comes with significant financial demands — and unfortunately, it is not fully funded. To compete in Germany, Emelia must raise $20,000 to cover:

• Team Levy – $4,500
• Flights & Travel Expenses
• Equipment & Competition Gear
• Coach’s Flights & Travel Expenses

Emelia is currently pursuing a nursing degree at university while training six days a week to compete at the highest level. She is mentored by none other than Glynis Nunn OAM, Australia’s first female Olympic gold medallist in the heptathlon, who believes Emelia has the potential to reach the sport’s highest levels.

Yet, without sponsorship or external funding, this opportunity becomes a significant barrier. As a heptathlete, having your coach by your side across the two-day competition is essential — which means funding Glynis’ travel is just as important.

Now, Emelia is reaching out to her community for support — to help her get to the start line.

“Every contribution, big or small, helps make this opportunity possible,” says Surch. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve already received, and I can’t wait to represent Australia with everything I’ve got.”

This is a dream come true - but she'll need you help to make it a reality.

🏆 Career Highlights:

• 2nd in Heptathlon – 2025 Australian Championships (5975 pts)
• Currently ranked #1 in Australia – Long Jump (6.42m)
• 4th Place – World U20 Championships (Long Jump, 6.45m)
•  3rd Place – 2024 Australian Olympic Trials & Oceania Championships - Heptathlon
• Studying Nursing while competing at elite level

“If Emelia had the funding, we could prioritise preparation, recovery, and training. I know I have an Olympic athlete who is capable of achieving something very special.”

– Glynis Nunn, Olympic Gold Medallist & Coach

Stay connected with Emelia’s journey through her social media platforms and lend your support to her endeavours with the hashtag #SurchForGold and/or become part of her team by making your financial contribution here. 

Emelia is teamed with the Aussie Athlete Fund driven by Aussie Olympic Gold Medallist, Nat Cook OAM and Ampol who are helping Emelia and many other athletes on their journey to represent Australia at the highest levels of sport around the globe. They are looking for 100 businesses to team up with 100 athletes to raise a million dollars for athletes representing the green & gold. For more info click here to read about the AussieAthlete Fund's Million Dollar Challenge powered by Ampol! To watch a short video of Nat explaining the challenge clickhere.

Contact: Cameron Richardson at Global Sports360 for further support and sponsorship opportunities

Ph: 0401050993