Teesside student makes history

One of our sporting stars stormed his way into the history books after winning the British University indoor 3,000 metre title for the third consecutive year.

Ricky Stevenson, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Sport Science), won in eight minutes, four seconds to clinch victory at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Indoor Championships, which took place in Sheffield from 10 – 14 March.

And not to be outdone, Jonathan Taylor, who also studies BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Sport Science), smashed the BUCS 1,500 metre record, crossing the line in three minutes and 46 seconds to win his third successive gold.

Stacy Smith, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, scooped a silver medal in the women’s 1,500 metres.

Ricky, Jonathan and Stacy are on the University’s Elite Athlete Bursary Scheme, which provides a comprehensive support structure to help talented athletes reach their potential.

Special, but there’s room for improvement Reflecting on his historic success, Ricky said: ‘It’s special stepping out on to the track and thinking, that’s my title and nobody else is having it.’

Looking to the future Jonathan added: ‘I am happy that I won my third BUCS title over 1,500 metres and broke the championship record, but there is always room for improvement and I hope to improve a lot over the summer season.’

Nat Broom, Student Activities Officer, said: ‘All credit to the athletes and teams who took part in the championships and the dominance of Teesside athletes in the middle distance events is tribute to the dedication and talent of the people themselves but also the expert support and financial assistance they get from the University to keep them in peak condition and form.’

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