USC has achieved its best result at the Australian University Games, picking up five medals and finishing sixth on the per capita rankings after a week of tough competition on the Gold Coast.

Leading the USC Spartans’ charge at the multi-sport carnival from 25-29 September was decathlon competitor and Nutrition student Martin Clark, who won gold after earning 6,506 points across a gruelling two-day, 10-event contest.

In an exciting finish to the decathlon, Martin edged out his nearest opponent by just 23 points, after earlier recording outstanding performances in the 100m and long jump.

He was joined in track and field success by his Business student sister Vicky, who won silver in the seven-event heptathlon, and Occupational Therapy student Summer Johnson who claimed bronze in the 100m hurdles.

Judo competitor Matt Dawkins, who studies Information and Communications Technology, contributed a silver medal to USC’s haul, while the all-women cheer and dance team picked up bronze for its high-energy performance.

USC Sport’s Gary Moore said 200 athletes from USC competed across a variety of sports –  including cricket, golf, badminton, football, volleyball and futsal – during the games.

“To take out sixth place per capita against such fierce competition from 41 other universities is an outstanding feat,” he said. “It’s one of USC’s best finishes at the Australian Uni Games, and every athlete contributed to that result.

“Martin’s win in the decathlon was a real highlight of the week, and we had a number of teams who only just missed out on medals.

“I’m really proud of how all the student-athletes came together as a team and supported each other on and off the field.”

Mr Moore said USC’s men’s and women’s futsal teams both finished fourth, while the women’s basketball team came sixth.

— Gen Kennedy