Bagley on the Balancing Act | World University Games

At first glance, the realms of distance running and Mechatronic Engineering seem worlds apart. One is defined by the cadence of pounding footsteps and the other by the intricate symphony of machines and algorithms.

For distance runner Harrison Bagley, the celebration of two passions will come together tomorrow as he lines up for the Half Marathon at the 2023 World University Games in Chengdu, China.

For those far removed from the world of engineering, Mechatronic Engineering is the technology behind robotics and autonomous systems, automated manufacturing and intelligent microprocessor-based products.

“I’ve always been interested in physics and science, and when I was at school I loved maths, so engineering was a logical pathway to go down,” Bagley said.

“Robotics and AI (Artifically Intelligence) are becoming  really big things at the moment, and that’s all about the merger between mechanical and electrical systems,”

Bagely, who is in his final year of a double degree with Computer Science at the University of Adelaide, says the unique interplay between his two pursuits is where the true magic lies.

The discipline he hones on in training empowers him to tackle his studies, while the precision of his academia enhances his approach to training.

“I’ve got a good arrangement at the moment. I’m doing three courses a semester to keep on top of my studies and still be able to train as much as possible, but uni makes it easy,” Bagley said.

“My training group is tied in with university. I can go to the uni facilities and train there and use the gym.

“I also find running gives me an outlet from studying, and also the other way around. They work together well; running is a such a big stress reliever. You put it all out there and then you can come back and get to work.”

While Bagley is undecided on how he will put his knowledge into practise, the 24-year-old is already eying off post graduate study in Robotics and Space Studies following the completion of his degree, with sights set on a PhD.

“Maybe it’s because of being used to racing and situations where you’re pressured and feeling nervous, that I’m able to balance it all and do well in exams. I tend to do well in those situations and racing regularly and getting used to it really helps with it all,” he said.

Having already represented Australia at the FISU World University Cross Country Championships last year, Bagely will use this year’s edition of the World University Games as stepping stone for future possibilities.

“Training has been going well. I’ve run a few PBs this season, and training has been consisting of a lot of long runs, threshold work and hill runs, as well as lots of time on my feet,” he said.

“We haven’t been able to see the fields yet but the World University Games is the next level for me which I’m really excited to do but I also want to make more senior teams.

“There’s lots to be inspired from in Australian distance running – across all distances – at the moment. I’d be looking to make marathon teams in the future for sure.”

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 5/8/2023