WOLLONGONG physiotherapist Rosie Dawson is optimistic she can be the Illawarra’s next world champion.
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Her interest in ultimate frisbee began while studying at university in Scotland.
It’s led to the chance to represent Australia at the World Games – an 11-day festival for a range of sports like acrobatics, ten-pin bowling, life-saving and tug-o-war – in Poland in July.
Australia is one of six countries competing in the ultimate frisbee championships, with the United States looming as their biggest threat to a gold medal.
Poland, Canada, Japan and Colombia are the other nations represented in the mixed competition.
“I think we can do really well, it would be amazing to win,” Dawson said.
“I really enjoyed playing when I was in Scotland and then after moving back to Australia I got involved again.
“It’s exciting to represent my country, it’s such a great opportunity and to be around a lot of other great sports at the world games.”
Dawson tasted success at the Eastern Ultimate Championships in Canberra in February with a team called Rogue and trains and plays in Sydney and Wollongong.
She was also part of Australia’s 2-nil series victory over Japan, with Tests played in Sydney and Melbourne.
Ultimate frisbee combines a number of sporting disciplines, with an end-zone similar to American football, or scoring a try in rugby league without needing to ground it.
However, in-game possession is closest to netball, with players unable to run with the frisbee before passing.
A drop or interception hands possession to the opposition, in what is a fast-paced and free-flowing contest. One thing distinguishing ultimate frisbee is not having a referee, with disputes resolved between team representatives under ‘fair play’ principles.
World Flying Disc Federation president Robert Rauch expects Australia to be a contender in Wroclaw, Poland.
“The World Games assembles the best athletes from the non-Olympic sports as a showcase for future Olympic ambitions,” he said. “World Games title defender Team USA is leading the teams on the road to Wroclaw, followed by Australia and bronze winning Canada.”
- WORLD GAMES
Wroclaw, Poland
July 20-30
Sports involved: Parachuting, archery, baseball and softball, billiards, bodyboarding, boules, ten-pin bowling, canoeing, casting, dancesport, fistball, floorball, ultimate frisbee, gymnastics, handball, hockey, martial arts, lacrosse, life-saving, netball, orienteering, powerlifting, squash, rugby, climbing, surfing, tug-o-war, surfing, water sports.
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
