Teesside University’s impact on Olympics highlighted in national report

Teesside University’s research into female sporting endurance is included in a new national report launched in Parliament.

Research into Sharon Gayter’s physiology during her world record achievement at Teesside is highlighted in the report showing the impact of universities research and sport development on the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and UK sport generally.

Also included in the report is the role Teesside University has played in the development of an innovative new product for cyclists. The report has been released as part of Universities Week (30 April – 7 May) which aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities.

Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University, said: 'It is excellent news that Teesside University is showcased in this national report. It highlights the exciting and important contribution that we make to the world of sport in so many different areas.

'Teesside University has a strong and continually growing reputation for sports courses from coaching to therapy and sports science, as well as excellent sporting facilities and support services for athletes. We also have an excellent reputation for linking all of this to our external partners and to business to deliver successful outcomes which add real value.'

The national report, Supporting a UK success story: The impact of university research and sport development, looks at just some of the many ways in which research has helped Team GB limber up and prepare for London 2012.

It highlights how research taking place at universities across the UK, including Teesside University, is helping to give athletes that extra split second or millimetre advantage which can mean the difference between gold and silver medals in competitive sports.

The research into Sharon Gayter, a part-time lecturer at Teesside University features her world record breaking seven day run on a treadmill at the University. Researchers are examining Sharon’s physiology to see how efficient her body is and the amount of fuel she needs to compete in endurance sport.

Also featured is the consultancy work Teesside University undertook with Newcastle business Breezeblockers to test an innovative new product to protect cyclists’ hands from the cold in the environmental chamber. Teesside academics also provided expertise in the interpretation and analysis of results.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive, Universities UK, said: 'It is sometimes easy to forget when you watch an athlete or team compete just how much preparation has gone into their performance. This isn’t simply a question of training schedules and practice. These days, cutting-edge university research is used to support every aspect of Olympic sports – from nutrition and health to equipment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and of course performance.'

Karen Rothery, Chief Executive Officer, British Universities & Colleges Sport, said: 'Sports development within our universities is encouraging greater participation in sport and activity across the student population and within the communities of universities.'

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