ILKLEY decathlete Harry Maslen is relishing his opportunity to wear the Great Britain vest for the first time as he competes at the World University Games.

The 22-year-old has just finished his chemistry degree at Angelo State University and was crowned Athlete of the Year for the past two years.

In his final year in the US, Maslen came second in the decathlon at the NCAA Division II Championships and he is hoping to use the weather in Napoli to his advantage.

“I honestly think training in the US will help with the weather,” Maslen said.

“It’s one of those things that if it’s not blistering heat but it’s going to be hot temperatures, it’s something that I’ll be used to and I can really use to my advantage.

“I’m looking forward to the team environment, it reminds me of the UK School Games because when I was younger I really enjoyed that multi-sport atmosphere so I’m really looking forward to that.”

The Universiade is widely recognised as the second largest multi-sport Games in the world after the Olympics, with over 10,000 participants from more than 150 countries.

More than 80 athletes across nine sports will take their place in Team Great Britain in Naples, representing institutions from all across the UK.

After competing for England previously, Maslen is eager to represent GB at the Games and do his country proud.

“I’ve never competed for GB, I’ve competed for England,” Maslen added.

“I’ve been selected several times for the Home Nations international combined event match but I’ve only managed to compete once because of the logistics.

“I’m looking forward to the competition, I’m really looking forward to coming up against some name that I’ve heard of as well on the international stage.

“But just wearing the vest, representing GB is a big one for me. It’s my first time and I really want to get a big score and do GB proud.

“I think I would be happy with a season’s best in the decathlon, something 7400 and upwards I think is definitely achievable but if the conditions are right and my legs are fresh a personal best could be on.”

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. For more information visit bucs.org.uk

NICOLA KENTON