Jade’s on the road to Rio

26 July 2016

One of the stars of Teesside University’s elite athlete scheme has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Paralympic Games.

Jade Jones, a member of Teesside University's Elite Athlete Scheme who has been called up to the Great Britain Paralympic squad.

It was announced this morning that Jade Jones has been called up to the squad to compete in the games at Rio de Janeiro in September.

The news caps a successful few days for Jade, who celebrated picking up a bronze medal in the T54 1,500m at the Anniversary Games held at London’s Olympic Stadium this weekend.

Jade, who is studying law at Teesside, is a member of the University’s elite athlete scheme which provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to athletes at international level or with exceptional international potential.

The scheme provides a comprehensive support package which is individually tailored to meet the needs of each person.

Athletes can access academic and sports science support such as physiological and biomechanical assessment, monitoring of training loads, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and sports psychology support.

Jade has also used the University’s specialist environment chamber, which recreates exact climate conditions and allows her to race in the same sweltering heat she can expect to face in Rio.

It is testament to her extreme hard work and dedication and we are sure she will be a credit to her country in Brazil.

We are very proud to have been able to offer her support and encouragement as she prepared for the Games.

Matthew Wright, sports development officer for elite sport at Teesside University

Matthew Wright, sports development officer for elite sport at Teesside University, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to learn that Jade has been selected to join the Great Britain Paralympic Squad.

'It is testament to her extreme hard work and dedication and we are sure she will be a credit to her country in Brazil.

'We are very proud to have been able to offer her support and encouragement as she prepared for the Games.'

Jade was first encouraged to take up wheelchair racing by 11 times Paralympic gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson. She is trained by Baroness Grey-Thompson’s husband, Ian Thompson.

This will be Middlesbrough-born Jade’s second Paralympics. In 2012, she competed in London in the 400m, 800m and 1,500m events.

She has also competed in the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships and was a finalist in the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.