Ben Guse Male Student-Athlete of the Year - Southern Cross University

Words: Alba de Sadaba
Published: 5 June 2026

Our Master of Osteopathic Medicine student, Benjamin Guse, has done it again. After claiming not one, not two, but three decathlon titles in recent months (the 2025 FISU World University Summer Games in Germany, the Australian Track and Field Championships, and the UniSport Nationals Athletics), it comes as no surprise that he has been named Male Student-Athlete of the Year at the 2025 UniSport Australia Sports Awards.

Ben’s sports journey started when he was eight at his local Little Athletics Club in Brisbane. He always enjoyed competing in all events, and when asked which event he wanted to focus on, he couldn’t decide – ultimately leading him to the decathlon.

“Although athletics has been a part of most of my life, I only started training seriously in my later high school years and have recently come full circle becoming an Australian Little Athletics ambassador. This role gives me great pride, as it is an opportunity to give back to younger generations at a grassroots sporting level, something I would have greatly valued as a young athlete,” said Ben.

Despite his remarkable career, Ben was surprised when he was told about the Male Student-Athlete of the Year award. “When I heard I had won this award I was quite surprised, understanding the legacy of the award and some of the great names to have won it prior only made it more meaningful. To be recognised and a part of such illustrious and elite company is something that is still sinking in,” he said.

Family photo at the 2025 UniSport Australia Sports Awards ceremony in Melbourne — This collaboration brings together expertise and commitment for meaningful long-term conservation.

The 2025 UniSport Australia Sports Awards ceremony took place recently in Melbourne.

"The UniSport Australia Sports Awards recognise some of the most outstanding student-athletes in the country and celebrate the important role universities play in supporting sporting excellence alongside academic achievement,” said Mark Sinderberry, UniSport CEO.

“Benjamin's achievements over the past year have been exceptional. To win national, university and international titles in the decathlon, while continuing to improve across all ten disciplines, is a remarkable accomplishment. We were proud to recognise Benjamin as the 2025 Male Student-Athlete of the Year and congratulate Southern Cross University on supporting his journey and success," said Mr Sinderberry.

Chasing success on campus and in sport

Juggling higher education and work is not easy, and it becomes even more challenging when elite sport is added to the equation. However, having the right support can make all the difference.

“Juggling osteopathic studies, placements, work and training as an elite decathlete has been incredibly challenging over the last two years. Time management is crucial, and Southern Cross’s Elite Athlete and Performer Program has been instrumental throughout my degree so far.

I have received support in many forms, including funding for competitions and travel, assistance with class and assessment scheduling, media opportunities and award nominations. Most importantly, I have benefited from the genuine kindness, enthusiasm and support of everyone involved in the UniLife team,” said Ben.

Ben chose to study osteopathy because of his strong passion for and interest in the human body, as well as the osteopathic philosophy of holistic health.

“Being an osteopathy student has significant crossover with my athletics career, particularly in understanding biomechanics, injury management and prevention, and general health and wellbeing, all of which have been hugely beneficial to my performance,” said Ben.

Ben Guse at the 2025 UniSport Australia Sports Awards ceremony

When a professional career aligns with a personal passion, motivation often comes more naturally, especially during those moments when the body and mind might be asking for a break. Ben's perseverance, however, has not gone unnoticed.

"Ben's success is a testament not only to his athletic talent but also to his discipline, perseverance and ability to excel simultaneously in sport and higher education. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and the way he represents Southern Cross University on national and international stages.

At Southern Cross University, we are committed to helping students achieve success in all aspects of their lives. Ben exemplifies the spirit of our Elite Athlete Program and demonstrates what is possible when talent, determination and the right support come together. He is an inspiration to our students and the wider community," said Dr Chithira Johnson, Director, Student Support and Success.

For lecturer Kristy Buist, Work Integrated Learning Academic coordinator for Osteopathy, Ben exemplifies commitment in action.

"Ben has been an outstanding example of what's possible when a student is truly committed. Throughout his undergraduate degree and now into his Master of Osteopathy, he has competed at a high level in decathlon while consistently working to meet his academic and clinical competencies. That's no small feat; the demands of a combined event sport alongside a health sciences degree are significant.

"Our team has been able to work with Ben around his training and competition schedule where possible, but honestly, the credit belongs to him. He has never used sport as an excuse and has shown up and done the work every time. The qualities that make him a good decathlete, his discipline, the ability to push through when it's hard, and knowing how to prepare, are the same qualities that are going to make him a really good osteopath," said Ms Buist.

Ben’s next starting gun

Following the 2025 FISU World University Summer Games, Ben had his sights set on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. However, his competition plans were put on hold after he ruptured a ligament in his elbow during the javelin event at the World University Games, requiring surgery and 12 months of rehabilitation.

“Thankfully, I am almost back to full fitness and am currently preparing for the Oceania Championships, where I hope to qualify for the World Championships in Beijing next year,” said Ben.

Best of luck, Ben – we’re very proud of you!