Two Bulldogs will represent their respective home countries at the World University Games this week in Chengdu, China.
 
In track and field competition, Matthew Forrester will run for South Africa while Simon Bedard will represent France. Both men are scheduled to compete in the 5,000 meters as Butler is the only American university to have multiple entries in the men's 5,000 meters. Forrester is also entered in the steeplechase.
 
"The highest honor in Athletics is to represent your country on the international stage," said Butler head coach Matt Roe. "To have two athletes at the World University Games is a major accomplishment not only our program, but for Butler University. We are proud of Matthew and Simon, and we look forward to cheering them on this week."
 
Forrester and Bedard follow in the footsteps of former Butler All-American Kris Gauson, who finished eighth at the 2011 Championships held in Shenzhen, China.
 
The steeplechase will be one of the championships' first events as first round heats are scheduled for Tuesday, which is also the first day of track and field at the World University Games. Those who advance will run in Thursday's final.
 
The men's 5,000 meters will have opening round heats on Friday, with the final scheduled for Sunday. The 5,000 meter final will be one of the last events of the track and field competition.
 
Formerly known as the Universiade, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games includes a total of 269 medal events across 18 sports.
 
Approximately 9,500 athletes and officials from around 100 countries are expected to compete in Chengdu. The city was originally scheduled to host the event in 2021, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the postponement, FISU has increased the age limit for athletes from 25 to 27 for the 2023 event.
 
Bedard closed his Butler career in June, finishing 14th in the men's 5,000 meters at the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Outdoor Championships, earning second-team All-American honors. 
 
Forrester finished second in the steeplechase at the 2023 BIG EAST Championships and qualified for the NCAA Track and Field first round.