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Elite athletes are hungry for more

09 October 2009

 

Teesside’s elite athletes are looking to improve on their success after a hugely successful 12 months.

Our sporting students certainly did the University proud after excelling at a string of prestigious events.

Olympic hero Chris Newton, who is studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Coaching Science) via distance learning, got the medal haul underway by winning gold at the 4,000m team pursuit at the Track Cycling World Cup in Copenhagen.

Teesside’s three rowing stars Chris Boddy, Bob Hewitt and Sportsman of the Year Ben Rowe exceeded expectations by taking home five medals at the BUCS Championships.

Chris and Bob, who are both studying for a BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise (Applied Sports Science), reached the final in three world cup events as part of the Great Britain lightweight coxless fours. The duo were also part of the Great Britain team in the World Championships.

Ben, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, competed in the final two World Cup events and the European Championships.

The scheme is fantastic Speaking about Teesside’s Elite Athlete Bursary Scheme, Ben said: ‘The scheme has been a big help. I joined the University just after my gap year and was just getting back to fitness, so to have them say we support you and we believe in you was fantastic.’

The University’s athletics stars have also had a massive impact at national level.

Ricky Stevenson, BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise (Applied Sports Science), scooped an AAA under 23 silver medal at 1,500m and went on to finish fifth in the European Championships in Lithuania. Ricky finished the year as part of the Great Britain team who broke the 30-year-old British 4x1,500m record.

‘The scheme has been a massive help to me,’ said Ricky.

‘There is the financial support but even more beneficial is the strength and conditioning training. This has given me a structured programme in the gym which has been brilliant.’ Jonathon Taylor, BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise (Applied Sports Science) earned his first international vest and qualified for the European under 23’s.

Stacey Smith, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, won the AAA under 20 1,500m title, which booked her flight for the European Championships in Serbia. She also finished the season ranked second in the country at both 800m and 1,500m.

Tony Rees, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Sport Studies), capped off a successful year by finishing fourth in his age group in the Zurich International Iron Man competition.

In other sports, Michael Grainger, HND Sport and Exercise, was selected for the English Universities volleyball team and Tyrone Thomas was chosen to represent the Great Britain men’s basketball team.

If you compete at a national level and want to find out more about the Elite Athlete Bursary Scheme, email Matthew Wright.


 
 
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