Talented students to represent Teesside University at international championships

Four talented Teesside University students are set to compete on the international stage after qualifying for a prestigious tournament.

Liam Doody, Amy Bone, Harley Harbisher and Eve Jackson are preparing to go to Zagreb in Croatia to take part in the European Universities Games, where they will compete in Judo and Taekwondo.

This is following gold and silver medals from all four across a number of National BUCS Championships this year.

The European Universities Games (EUG) is a university sports tournament sponsored by the European University Sports Association (EUSA). The Games are held every two years, with European Universities Championships held in even years as individual events.

The four Teesside University students fly out to Zagreb on 19 July and will start competing in the following days. They have been receiving extensive support and training from specialist staff at the University as they prepare for the tournament. Students have had additional sessions in the gym, as well as time with a sports nutritionist and the opportunity to use the environmental chamber in a bid to acclimatise to the increased heat and humidity they may face at the tournament.

Teesside University's Head of Sport, Will Jones, said: “We have a high number of talented athletes at Teesside University and we are committed to providing the infrastructure, facilities and support to help them succeed in their respective sports, while also completing their studies.

“The European Universities Games is a fantastic competition, and we are incredibly proud of our students who will be competing later this month. They have done exceptionally well, and we wish them all the best.”

Sports and Exercise student Liam Doody, 23, from Middlesbrough is one of those competing.

He said: “The University has been fantastic and provided a great deal of support to help me reach this level. I am really looking forward to competing and representing Teesside on the international stage.”

Second-year LLB (Hons) Law student Harley Harbisher, 20 and also from Middlesbrough, added: “The training has been really intense, and we have done a lot of extra sessions in the build up to the tournament. It has been hard work, but certainly worthwhile and I believe it will help with my overall performance.”

Amy Bone, 18, a Crime Scene Science student, is really looking forward to competing.

She said: “It is a fantastic opportunity, and the University has been incredibly helpful. I can’t wait to get out there and hopefully we can bring some medals back to Teesside.”

Teesside University is committed to supporting talented student athletes and developing young local athletes to achieve excellence. The University provides opportunities for students to develop the practical skills and experience to excel through its Performance Sport Scholarship Scheme.

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