Rising tennis star Olivia Nicholls says she will use every ounce of experience in a bid to make the podium when she competes in one of the world’s most prestigious multi-sports competitions later this summer.

Norwich-born Nicholls is one of almost 10,000 participants from over 170 countries expected to compete at the Games which will be held in Chinese Taipei from August 19 to 30.

Held biennially in major cities across the globe, the World University Games (WUGS) sees athletes come together to compete across numerous sports with the Summer Universiade the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics and Nicholls is relishing the opportunity to run in the unique event for a second time.

“I was absolutely thrilled to get picked – I got to go two years ago and represent Great Britain in South Korea and the experience then was absolutely amazing so I am absolutely over the moon to be able to go again,” Nicholls said.

“Normally, when I’m playing tennis on the tour it’s very much an individual sport, whereas when you go to the WUGs, you have a big team around you to support you, you have all the other athletes there. It’s more of a team environment and it’s really good fun.

“We get the opportunity to watch other sports and to watch some absolutely world class athletes, whether that’s in the pool or on the track. To see them performing at the highest level is definitely encouraging for us as well.”

And having lost out in the first stage in three-set thriller last time round after being handed a tough draw, Nicholls, who graduated from the University of Norwich last year, is looking to make amends this time. 

“That was another reason why I was pleased to be picked again – it gives me another chance to go for it and do better this time,” said the 22-year-old, who is currently studying Sports Science with Management at Loughborough University.

“I’m going into it much better equipped than I was before – when it was a new experience for me. 

“Now it’s a case of seeing how far in the event can I go, and I will be looking to get a medal I think, that’s a goal for sure.

“I’ve been playing full-time for a year now and I’ve got a singles world ranking and my doubles world ranking is in the top 500.”

And Nicholls, who will be playing in both the doubles and singles events, insists composure will be key to performing well.

“I definitely need to take it one match at a time – there’s no easy opposition out there, but at the same time, my doubles game has been really good this year.

“I’ve won a few ITF titles and I’ve got a few really good partners for the women’s doubles and mixed doubles.”

And Nicholls says she will be spurred on by her doubles success she has so far enjoyed throughout her tennis career.

“My best moment as a tennis player so far would have to be winning some of the doubles titles – my first ever title was a 25K title in Bath – me and my partner got in as wildcards and we went on to win it – that was pretty special and we won six more after that – so pick any of them!”

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the national governing body for Higher Education (HE) sport in the UK, organising leagues and competitions for more than 150 institutions across 52 different sports. Over 110 athletes will represent the GB team at the 29th FISU Summer World University Games 2017 from 19-30 August.