University of Western Australia
Liz Lim is a current student athlete completing research at the UWA School of Population and Global Health in the area of environmental epidemiology, investigating the link between low concentrations of ambient air pollution and cancer. Recently, Liz returned from competing at the highly competitive World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia.
The World Combat Games saw the best athletes in 16 combat sports and martial arts compete from 20-30 October at the King Saud University Arena. The international multi-sport event hosted over 1500 athletes from over 120 countries.
It was my first time travelling to the Middle East, and I thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the Games. Riyadh is a really nice city, and the people were so friendly and welcoming.
UWA student athlete, Liz Lim
Liz was selected to represent Australia in Wushu at the 2023 World Combat Games. Wushu, also referred to as Kung Fu, is the collective term for the martial arts practices that originated in China. Wushu has numerous distinct styles and systems, each incorporating its own techniques, tactics, principles and methods as well as the use of wide variety of traditional weapons.
Liz competed in combination of two events, Women’s Nanquan (Southern Fist) and Women’s Nandao (Southern Broadsword). The routines of the Nanguan event incorporates the fighting styles of Southern China, while the Nandao event features a broadsword as the main element in the choreographed routine.
It was an amazing experience, this was my first international competition in four years. Many competitions were cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was so happy and grateful that I could finally compete again on the world circuit.
UWA student athlete, Liz Lim
Overall, Liz narrowly missed out on a podium finish with a score of 9.19, completing the competition in 4th position, marking a successful return to international competition after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Liz attributes her success in academics and sport to the support networks that include UWA Sport and UWA School of Population and Global Health. This support helps provide student athletes such as Liz with assistance to balance project deadlines during competition periods.
Following the completion of her PhD studies, Liz aspires to become an environmental epidemiologist and remain involved in academia. In sport, Liz wants to transition into coaching and teach the next generation of athletes representing Australia in Wushu.
UWA Sport congratulates Liz Lim on her successful return to international competition at the 2023 World Combat Games.