University of Regina athletes prepare to carry the flag on the International stage

Posted: August 12, 2011 1:00 p.m.

Kelly Wiebe, 2011 Canada West Gold Medalist (3000-metre run).
Kelly Wiebe, 2011 Canada West Gold Medalist (3000-metre run). U of R Photography Dep't

It's been a busy year for Kelly Wiebe, and he's not about to slow down now. The 22-year-old University of Regina student left earlier this week for the FISU World University Games in Shenzhen, China, where he's competing in the 5,000 metres.

"It's really just like a dream because ever since I got into the sport I've wanted to compete at this level, and when you finally get the opportunity to, it's almost unbelievable. It's a really cool feeling," said the fourth-year environmental systems engineering student.

Earlier this year, Wiebe competed in the world cross-country championships in Punta Umbria, Spain. However, at the moment his focus is on the 5,000 metres and getting to the podium in Shenzhen.

"I've been looking at results from previous championships, but I really have no idea who I'm racing against. All I know is that they are going to be running around the 13:30 to 13:40 range for 5 kilometres, and that's right around where I should be. Hopefully I can do it." Wiebe qualified for the games at a meet in London, Ontario in May with a time of 13:56.68.

Lindsay Ledingham, 2011 Canada West Second-Team All-StarThe other University of Regina athlete at the games is Cougars basketball ball player Lindsay Ledingham. The 21-year-old was second on the Cougars in points per game (14) and rebounds per game (7.6) last season and was named a Canada West second-team all-star.  Her Cougars coach Dave Taylor says the six-foot forward faced competition to make the squad.

"It's unbelievable. It's once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play for Team Canada. Not many people get to do that. It's basically the second biggest event after the Olympics," he said.

Wiebe and Ledingham will be among the close to 9,000 university athletes from 150 countries participating in the games. The 26th Summer Universiade runs from August 12 to the 23. Athletes from Canada are hoping to surpass the 2009 medal count when they picked up 15 medals; two gold, seven silver, and six bronze.