On the hunt: An Australian heptathlete’s ‘Surch’ for gold

To compete at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, Emelia had to raise $20,000 including team levy, flights, travel expenses, equipment and competition gear. “I just kind of ask people who want to join my search for gold”, she told the FISU Games News Service. “I have a group chat called the Search Supporters and just keep them updated with my training. They give me some money. They help me get to here. I’m super grateful for everyone that’s supporting me.” Fresh from her bronze medal performance at Bochum’s Lohrheidestadion on Thursday, Surch is celebrating a breakthrough. “I’m over the moon,” she said, medal in hand. “I didn’t think I could do it. I just ran my heart out in that 800(m), and I gave it my all, and I came out with the medal, so I couldn’t be any more happy.”

Podium dreams

The Australian’s rise has been defined by belief and strategy – and a coach who knows what it takes. “I really didn’t think I could do it,” Surch said. “But I just believed in myself and followed what my coach said for me to do in the race, and I was able to do it.” That coach is Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn (AUS), who has become more than a mentor to her charge.

“She’s the best. She’s like my second mum,” Surch said. “She makes me so tough, and she’s always there to support me every single day. She won the Olympics in 1984 – something that I hopefully want to do. I couldn’t ask for a better coach and mentor.”

Nunn’s best advice?

“She just told me to chase my dreams,” Surch said. “One of my dreams has always been to be on the podium. I’ve dreamt of it many times – and here I am.” As well as training for up to five hours a day, Surch is also finishing a nursing degree – her passion outside sport. “I’ve always wanted to look after people,” she said. “I really enjoy seeing people get from their sickest to their healthiest, and to play a part in somebody’s health journey is really important to me. “It’s been a bit challenging trying to train for the heptathlon seven days a week and study and do placements,” she said.

Support, sweets and simple joys

Behind Surch’s success is an all-important support crew.

“I wouldn’t be here without mum and dad,” she said. “They’re always there to make me dinner, help me get to sleep on time, just reminding me to do the one-percenters. That enables me to do what I love – athletics and studying.” When there is time to relax, Surch turns to quiet hobbies – and German chocolate. “Crosswords. I try to stay off social media… I even bought a German crossword book, which I’ve been doing with my coach. It just relaxes my mind,” she said. “And I’ll definitely celebrate with some milk chocolate. The German chocolate is delicious.”

With the heptathlon behind her, Surch is considering “maybe a bit of a party on Sunday night once everyone’s finished competing”.

“But my goal?“ she said. “Gold, of course. Surch for Gold.”

FGNS pw/kc/mb