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Teesside boxer set to go the distance with further study

21 November 2012

 

Teesside University boxing star Louis Cunningham already has his sights firmly set on the future.

Louis, ranked number two in England for his weight category, is looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games and Rio 2016 having been inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games.

He said: 'My dream is to become number one in England and to be a part of Team GB. After watching the Olympic Games in London it made me proud to be British and I want to make my country proud.'

Louis, who is first member of his family to study for a degree, is a part of Teesside University’s Elite Athlete Scheme which helps aspiring young athletes reach their potential through funding and support.

Louis added: 'The Elite Athlete Scheme has helped a lot, in particular with the transition from a junior international to raising the bar and becoming a top senior. The biggest benefits have been the sports science support and the opportunity to work alongside other top athletes.'

The Elite Athlete Scheme is open to athletes at international level, or with exceptional international potential. It provides access to state of the art equipment and expertise.

Louis studied BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Sport Science) and believes the course helped him to fulfil his potential. He said: 'It focused on interventions into sports science with psychology a major factor and it helped me to gain a further understanding of how I could improve my own mind, in the ring and out.'

He is now going on to study MSc in strength and conditioning, which he hopes will put him in an excellent position for the future.

Louis, who started boxing at 13, is a member of Wellington Amateur Boxing Club in Middlesbrough, the same gym his dad attended in his youth.

He added: 'My family are over the moon about me graduating as I am the first in my family to do so. I am so proud of what I have achieved.'


 
 
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