Historic gold for St Andrews student at 2025 FISU World University Games

Undergraduate scholar Sophia Issberner has made history for the University of St Andrews, claiming gold as part of the Great Britain Women’s Eight (W8+) crew at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region.

The final, held on Sunday 27th July, saw the GB W8+ crew attack the race from the start, establishing an early lead and holding off a strong challenge from the Netherlands to secure a decisive victory.

Sophia’s triumph is a landmark moment, not only as a personal achievement, but also as the first-ever gold medal in GB rowing by a University of St Andrews student at an international event. Her inclusion in the W8+ crew reflects exceptional talent and the strength of the team’s preparation.

This victory contributes to a broader success story for Team GB at the Games. Great Britain secured five medals in total, with twenty-one of the twenty-six selected athletes returning home with hardware, a testament to the  quality of British university sport.

The FISU World University Games is one of the world’s largest multi-sport events, bringing together over 10,000 student athletes from more than 150 countries. Sophia’s gold medal places her among the elite of university sport and highlights the growing impact of St Andrews on the international rowing stage.

Above: Sophia Issberner

Gold Medal Winner Sophia, said: “It’s an incredible feeling to come away with a win at my first international competition. Representing Great Britain has been an unforgettable experience and I’m so proud of what we achieved out there!”

University of St Andrews Director of Rowing Lewis McCue, said: “Sophia’s gold medal is a momentous achievement for our rowing programme and a proud day for the University. Her commitment to excellence has been truly inspiring, and this victory reflects the incredible progress we’re making as a club. We couldn’t be prouder of her and the GB W8+ crew.”

More information about GB student athletes at the Games is available on the British Rowing website.