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Elite athletes are setting their sights high

20 November 2014

 

A host of talented athletes are hoping to maximise their potential after securing places on a unique training scheme at Teesside University.

Paralympian Jade Jones, international table tennis player Karina Le Fevre and Sunderland and England under 20s footballer Beth Mead are among this year’s students enrolled on the elite athlete scheme.

They are joined by the likes of promising 400 metre runner Jack Crosby and indoor rowing competitor Jen Howse.

The elite athlete scheme at Teesside University provides student athletes with a comprehensive support programme to help develop their individual potential. It includes physiological and biomechanical assessment and training support, monitoring of training loads, strength and conditioning and physiotherapy.

Athletes also have access to the state-of-the-art facilities at the University, as well as the expertise of the sports science staff. In addition, they can train with other athletes from different sports and gain knowledge and insight that they might not usually have access to.

Wheelchair racer Jade Jones, who competed at the London 2012 Paralympics and won Bronze in this year’s Commonwealth Games, is studying law at Teesside and is excited about being on the elite athlete scheme.

She said: 'I’ve been using the facilities at Teesside University for a while now and I know that being on the elite athlete scheme is going to be hugely beneficial. The support I receive, both academically and with my training, is fantastic.

'Staff here are incredibly knowledgeable and it is definitely going to give me an edge as I prepare for Rio.'

As well as the regular training and monitoring sessions, athletes on the scheme receive one to one mentoring, lifestyle support, nutritional advice and sports psychology support – all designed to help them compete at the highest level.

Jack Crosby, 19, is a 400m runner and is studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Sports Science). He competes at international level and finished fifth in the World Junior Championships.

'A good friend of mine told me he had been on the elite athlete scheme and how wonderful it was,' explained Jack.

'He advised me to apply and thankfully I was successful. I’m looking towards Rio 2016 as my main aim and with all the support I am receiving here, I have every chance of making it.'

Another athlete on the elite athlete scheme is indoor rower Jen Howse, 36.

The MSc Strength and Conditioning student said: 'I have always been interested in sport science and to be able to study, as well as be on the elite athlete scheme, is perfect for me.

'It will give me an academic qualification as well as a boost in my performance.'

Matthew Wright, Sports Development Officer at Teesside University, runs the elite athlete scheme and has a lot of experience working with international athletes.

He said: 'We are used to having high calibre athletes here at Teesside University and the main focus is providing all of the support and assistance to help them to reach their potential.

'The elite athlete scheme is all about putting the correct framework in place for athletes and tailoring the support and training to their individual needs.'


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