Olympic hero has done us proud

The University offered its congratulations to cycling star and part-time student Chris Newton after he clinched his third Olympic medal.

Chris, 35, continued the staggering success of team Great Britain by winning a bronze medal in Beijing in the Men’s Points Race.

Originally from Stockton-on-Tees, Chris is currently studying a part-time BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise (Coaching Science) here at Teesside.

Beijing was Chris’ fourth Olympics. He became the first Teessider to bring home an Olympic medal in 52 years after taking bronze in Sydney 2000, before going one better and scooping silver four years later in Athens.

Reflecting on Chris’ latest success, Professor Graham Henderson, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: ‘The whole University community was delighted to see Chris perform so well in Beijing. We are extremely proud of him and I am looking forward to greeting him on his return to the University.’

Beijing is likely to be Chris’ last Olympics. He is planning to wind down his international career after the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

He then plans to use his studies at Teesside as a springboard to managing or coaching.

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