Two gold medals and a silver for our sporting stars

Our elite athletes have yet again done the University proud after scooping a trio of medals in a national competition.

And the impressive haul has led to one of them qualifying to compete on the European stage and another being named as the fastest junior in the country over 1,500 metres.

The Aviva Under 20 and Under 23 National Championships were held during the last weekend of June.

Jonathan Taylor, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Sport Science) won gold in the 5km race, while Stacey Smith, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, won gold in the Under 20 1,500 metres and currently stands as the fastest junior in the country.

Ricky Stevenson, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Sport Science), clinched silver in the Under 23 1,500 metres, which qualified him to go on to compete in the European Under 23 Championships. All of the athletes are supported by the University’s Elite Athlete Bursary Scheme.

Showing dedication and determination Matthew Wright, Sports Development Officer, said: ‘All our athletes have worked incredibly hard throughout their preparation period and these results for Ricky, Jonathan and Stacey are great reward for their dedication and determination.

‘All three are current British University champions and they have done themselves and Teesside University proud.’

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