Nelson Mandela University student Charlize van Zyl, is gearing up for next year’s World Chess Olympiad and hopes to make her country proud by doing so. USSA spoke to the 21-year-old about her chess career and how she has kept her spirits up during the lockdown.

From Limpopo, South Africa to Sochi, Russia, FISU Student Ambassador Shoni Masutha has certainly gone places! A very active and visible member of the FISU Student Ambassadors community, Masutha recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Sport Administration from the reputed Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) and raised the South African flag high by doing so.

Three-time World University Games participant Kholosa Biyana has made enormous strides in her career so far, including having gone to a FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, it is her continued resilience in studies that has made her dual career prospects possible.

FISU student ambassador Mahdieh Seraji is helping change lives through the university sport volunteering association in Iran. Being a student sport leader in her country is a step in the right direction as she aims to inspire future generations, particularly women in sport.