University duo head to Commonwealth Games

A student and lecturer from the University of Teesside are hoping to boost England’s chances of medal success in the Commonwealth Games in Australia next March.

Johanna Jackson, 21, from New Marske is in the third year of a BSc (Hons) Creative Digital Media degree. She will be competing in the 20km race walking event with high hopes of a medal in her first major competition.

While Johanna is competing, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy Julie Sparrow is applying her professional physiotherapy skills to the England team. As well as running the ‘holding camp’ where each of the athletes will spend time preparing for the Games, Julie will also be on hand to assist the athletes throughout the event.

Johanna, who receives financial assistance from the University’s Elite Athlete Fund, said: “I’ve competed in the European Cup but this will be my first really big tournament. I train at least six days per week with Redcar Race Walking Club. It’s hard work but worth it.

“The money from the Elite Athlete Fund is a great help. As well as equipment, it also helps towards the travelling costs. There aren’t many races in the region and it costs a lot to get to races around the country so the £1,250 from the fund comes in really useful.

“I can’t wait to get to Australia and compete at the highest level. It’s going to be a great experience and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”

Julie Sparrow, who trained in physiotherapy at the then Teesside Polytechnic in the early 1980s, is no stranger to international competitions. She has worked with athletes in two previous Commonwealth and Olympic Games, as well as many gymnastic tournaments and World Championships. Julie has worked at the University for five years and said: “I’ll mainly be working with the gymnasts once the Games begin, but I will be available for all of the athletes. I’ve been involved in international sports since 1988 and it’s always exciting. I’ll keep an eye out for Johanna in Australia – I may able to offer a helping hand!”

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