CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Austin Peay State University biology student Brinna Lavelle won a bronze medal in July 2018 for Team USA at the America Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The senior Governor hopes to win another medal on a bigger stage, the World University Games in Naples, Italy July 2019.

“Because the last one was my very first international competition, I feel like I’m going to be more prepared,” says Lavelle. “I know what to expect, and it’s going to be a lot more fun. It’s going to be a lot bigger this time.”

The World University Games are the second-largest multi-sport event in the world after the summer Olympics. More than 9,000 athletes from across the world compete.

The World University Games are July 3-14. Lavelle competes on July 6 and 7 individually, in the 52-kilogram weight class, and in the team competition.

Lavelle admits she has learned from last summer’s games.

“The international style definitely is a lot different than the American style, they’re a lot faster and stronger,” she said.

To adjust for this summer’s games, Lavelle changed her training. She added strength and conditioning as wells as speed drills.

VETERINARIAN, OLYMPIC DREAMS

After she earns her biology degree at Austin Peay, Lavelle wants to go to veterinarian school. She hasn’t picked a graduate school yet but is exploring places such as Pennsylvania University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Texas A&M, where Team USA coach Bob Perez works.

“While I’m in vet school, I’m going to train as much as I can,” she said. “After I finish vet school, I’m going to go back to training hard and find out if I can go further than just these international tournaments.”

By that, she means the Olympics.

“That is something I’d like to see if I can do,” Lavelle says.

Currently, Lavelle trains six days a week and shadows at the Animal Hospital of Clarksville. She’s set to graduate from Austin Peay next spring.

COMPETING, TOURING IN ITALY

“I’ve always wanted to go to Italy,” Lavelle said. “That’s my Number 1 country, so I’m really excited. There’s so much history.”

She plans to attend the opening ceremonies on July 3 and stay after she competes to tour the country. The competition is the top priority.

“It’s all about making a step in the right direction, moving forward,” she added. “But I’m always disappointed if I don’t finish first.”