CategoriesAnnouncement

#PathwaytoParis | Full list of athletes, coaches and support staff heading to Games

#PathwaytoParis | Full list of athletes, coaches and support staff

Pathway to Paris – With the 2024 Olympics starting this Friday on 26 July, there will be athletes competing for Olympic success, coaches ensuring that their athletes perform at their peak, and support staff helping the Games to run smoothly and effectively.

The world’s eyes will fall on Paris with athletes, coaches, staff and volunteers playing their role in creating history at the 33rd edition of the modern Games.

The University of Birmingham will have more than 30 individual’s  taking part either competitively or within an official role at The Games.

The BBC remains the best place to watch and follow extensive coverage of Paris 2024 available on TV, iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.

and here’s how you can keep track of how they are getting on….

Confirmed Athletes

  • Current student and Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway (EDCAP) scholar Oliver Morgan, a five-time British Champion, makes his Olympics debut for Team GB Swimming.
  • 4x400m relay athlete and staff member Hannah Kelly heads to her first Olympics with Team GB. Hannah is also an alumna of the University.
  • Five UoB Sport alumni – Amy Costello, Hannah French, Lily Owsley, Flora Peel and Anna Toman – have been selected for Team GB’s hockey squad, with current scholar Lily Walker on stand-by as part of the reserves.
  • Silver 2022 Commonwealth games medalist and National Time Trial champion, alumna Anna Henderson joins Team GB’s Cycling team.
  • Former TASS scholar and alumna Heather Cowell is named in Team GB’s Women’s Rugby Sevens squad.
  • Middle-distance runner and alumna Georgia Bell secured her Team GB spot at the UK Championships.
  • Alumni Annie Caddick and Josh O’ Brien have both been selected to represent Team GB in Para-Rowing.
  • Reigning KL3 canoe sprint Paralympic champion and alumna Laura Sugar MBE will join Team GB.
  • Current EDCAP scholar Hannah Pearce will join the South Africa Hockey team.
  • Alumnus Imranur Rahman will run in the 100m for Bangladesh.
  • Sport Hall of Famer Lora Fachie OBE is also on her way to Paris, as the two-time Paralympic Games’ Pursuit Champion and multiple Para-Cycling World Championships medallist, joins the Para cycle team once again.
  • Current scholar Megan Richter and alumna Alison Peasgood has been selected in Team GB’s largest ever paratriathlon squad.

Confirmed Coaches and Support Staff

  • Penny Briscoe OBE continues her role as Paralympic Team GB’s Chef de Mission, a position she has held since 2014 as well as being the Director of Sport for the team.
  • Sport Hall of Famer Emma Batchelor joins up with Team GB Hockey as Head of Performance Health for GB Hockey.
  • Former Paralympian and Athletics coach Dean Miller joins Team GB’s coaching staff as Athletics Endurance Manager for Paralympics GB.
  • Sport & Exercise Sciences alumnus Ollie Armstrong is Lead Physiologist for Athletics Canada.
  • Alumna, Olympian, and University of Birmingham Sport Hall of Famer Hannah England joins the media team, as stadium announcer for athletics.
  • Hockey umpire and alumna Hannah Harrison officiates matches across the tournament.
  • Physiotherapy alumna Emma Ferguson will join up New Zealand as the Men’s Hockey physiotherapist.
    Former University
  • Performance Lifestyle Lead Maimee Titmuss-Morris is the Paralympic Staff Wellbing Manager.

University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell:

 

‘Sporting success is in our DNA at the University of Birmingham. We have supported the development of some outstanding athletes and coaches over many decades – particularly our Hall of Fame Game Changers. We wish all our students, staff and alumni taking part in the Paris Olympics every success this summer.’

Chickpeas in a cupCategoriesMember News Nutrition

Summer of Nutrition: Hitting your protein goals

Hitting your protein goals this summer

Recommended daily protein intakes are higher for exercising individuals. Protein is needed for good health, recovery and for building and maintaining lean mass (muscle mass)!

How much protein do I need?

 

It is generally recommended that exercising individuals get 1.5 – 2.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. So, for a 70kg person, this would be 105 – 175g of protein per day. Whether said person aims for 105g or 175g per day (or somewhere in between) depends on their training and goals (I recommend working with a SENR Registered Sports Nutritionist if you want personalised recommendations).

 

However, not everyone is tracking their protein intakes (and certainly not everyone should). So, see below some easier tips to help you reach your daily protein needs as an active person.

Salmon alongside vegetables and lemon slice

Tips to hit your protein goals

 

  • Aim to include a source of protein in every snack and meal (or every 3-4 hours). This not only helps to reach your overall goal, but also stimulates ‘muscle protein synthesis’ throughout the day to support lean mass and recovery.
  • Aim for this protein source to include at least 20-25g of protein, especially at mealtimes (see some example sources below).
  • You don’t need protein supplements to reach your daily intakes, but when used in moderation within a high-quality, nutrient rich diet (e.g., you’re getting 5-7 portions of fruit and veg, healthy fats and enough carbs for the training you’re doing each day), then they can make reaching your targets a little easier. *Remember to opt for batch-tested supplements if you are a competitive athlete.
  • If you are plant-based, aim to combine protein sources within a meal to create ‘complete’ protein sources (e.g., rice and beans within a veggie chilli). You can also opt for higher protein carb sources within your meals (i.e., opting for quinoa or chickpea/black bean/edamame pastas over regular pasta or white rice).
Pieces of tofu with sesame

Examples of 20-25g protein

 

  • 1x small chicken breast
  • 4x large eggs
  • 200g Greek or Icelandic yoghurt
  • 1x fillet of fish or tin of tuna
  • 1x tin of baked beans or 250g of black or kidney beans
  • 150g chickpeas or 150g tofu

*High-protein diets are generally safe for most as long as you are not compromising intakes of other nutrients (such as fats, carbs and micronutrients). If you are unsure, please check with your GP first.

Rachel’s Instagram channel: @rcperformancenutrition

Tennis club students group photoCategoriesAnnouncement Student News

Students channel their Wimbledon spirit with event volunteering

Students channel their Wimbledon spirit with event volunteering 

A number of our students have been working and volunteering to support a range of major tennis events across the British grass court season.

Head of Tennis at the University, Jack, has spent time training students and seeking out opportunities for tennis enthusiasts to get more involved in the action with on the ground support in Birmingham and beyond.

Two tennis students standing in front of spectator seats
Tennis Activator

A student volunteer states:

 

‘Thank you for organising the volunteering at the tennis last week, I had a great time working with the other assistants and I had a good chance to develop my coaching and also learn how a large tournament is run.’

Highlights include:

 

  • 12 activation zone Volunteers at the Rothesay classic in Birmingham

 

  • 30 ground staff at the Rothesay classic

 

  • Queens club

 

  • Wimbledon catering and grounds staff

 

Student stood infront of spectator seats in stadium

Congratulations to the tournament winners Yulia Putintseva (Rothesay classic) and Tommy Paul (Cinch Championships). Many of the club will be following the Wimbledon action across the next week!

Will Barnicoat close up with text 'BUCS Awards 2024'CategoriesAnnouncement Student News

Active Residences and Men’s XC Shortlisted for BUCS Awards

Active Residences and Men’s XC shortlisted for BUCS Awards

This year we have been nominated for two BUCS Awards. Our Active Residences programme and Men’s Cross Country Club have both been recognised for their outstanding achievements across 2023-24.

Active Residences 

Shortlisted for: Active Wellbeing Programme Award

 

Delivered in partnership with Accommodation, Active Residences is a free, year-round sport and exercise programme accessible to students living in UoB Halls.

  

Now in its second year of delivery, Active Residences was devised to address gaps in how sport engaged with the University community, focusing on increasing engagement amongst international students and ethnic minorities.

Last year, the programme was shortlisted for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award.

Active Res Yoga session
Active res student holding tennis racket on court

From safe spaces to run during dark evenings, to calming yoga classes, indoor and outdoor sport and other social events, the programme offers a diverse timetable of activities for students to get involved in. 

 

The Active Residences programme has been invaluable to many students looking to get involved in sport, either for the first time, or for those looking for ways to stay fit whilst making friends alongside their studies. Students have said: 

Active residences rounders group photo

‘Over Christmas, I was being downward both because of the weather and most of my friends were not there. I found out about Active Residences and my first session was cardio which I really enjoyed. Thank you for being so supportive, kind and friendly during these sessions.’  

 

‘I’m super grateful for this Active Res programme, it relieves my university stress and has single handedly improved my uni experience.’ 

 Coordinated and facilitated by students and staff, Head of Sport Development, Chris Anthony, reflects on what it means to be shortlisted for a BUCS Award this year: 

 

 ‘Active Residences has been a wonderfully collaborative programme to be a part of and it’s fantastic that all those that have made such a difference to the active wellbeing of students in our halls have been recognised for their hard work.’ 

Group photo of Men's XC medallists

Men’s Cross Country 

Shortlisted for BUCS Team of the Year Award 

 

Last month, our Men’s Cross Country Club won the National Team of the Year at our Sports Awards event. It’s great to see the club’s success and culture acknowledged at a national level in the BUCS Awards 2024. 

 

Headed by Dean Miller, the combined Athletics and Cross Country endurance club has expanded to a record 150 members and an additional 50+ alumni and associates who maintain strong connections with the University.  

It has been an incredible 12 months for the club, let’s recap some of the highlight achievements: 

 

 A record four athletes competed in the World University Cross Country Championships in Oman in February 2024, all of whom brought home team silverware. Dean was the GB Team Leader for this trip – which is once again the first time a UoB coach has held such a role.

 

The Men’s team this year completed their first ever clean sheet on the podium with Will Barnicoat taking GOLD, Tomer Tarragano Silver and Ollie Smart Bronze achieving Team GOLD in the BUCS Cross Country Long race. 

 

The Cross Country Short Team did not disappoint either with Elliot Morgan winning Silver, Sam Burkitt securing Bronze with overall Team Gold. Nine current students have also been selected to compete for GB at European level. 

Men's race ft Tyler Bilyard
Men's XC champs action photo

Dean describes the culture of the Men’s Cross Country Club: 

 

‘We are immensely proud of the depth and breadth of performance across the year.  The highlight being a record breaking and dominant BUCS Cross-Country victory, the energy and culture of the 80 strong group, led by Captain Michael Stevens has been paramount to these achievements..’

About the Coach 

 

Dean has taken the Athletics and Cross Country Club from strength to strength, winning Coach of the Year at the Sports Awards. In ParaAthletics, Dean led in school outreach and development of a para programme at the University alongside the Birmingham Athletics Academy which caters for 8-16 year old beginners in the sport.  

Dean holding Coach of the Year award
UB Sport branded water bottle in bottle holder on exercise bikeCategoriesMember News Nutrition

Summer of Nutrition: Keeping hydrated

Keeping hydrated this summer

Staying hydrated is important all year round but the warmer summer weather brings some additional challenges and considerations for the hydration strategies of athletes, gym goers, runners, etc. Here are some tips for staying hydrated whilst training this summer!

Why is hydration important?

 

Not drinking enough fluid leads to dehydration which is detrimental to both health and performance. Dehydration increases core body temperature, heart rate and even your perceived rate of exertion (making exercise feel even harder!).

 

Fluid is lost through breathing, urine and sweat (so you can see why people who are active in summer need to be proactive in staying hydrated!).

Glass of water on table

Tips to stay hydrated

  • Drink water to hydrate when you wake up and sip on water throughout the day.
  • If you struggle to drink plain water, try adding sugar-free squash or a lemon slice to your water to flavour it.
  • Aim to drink around 350-500ml in the 2-4 hours pre-exercise, or more if your urine is dark.
  • Add an electrolyte tablet to ~500ml of water to drink after intense training sessions (e.g., sessions longer than 60 mins in duration, or in the heat, where you sweated considerably) to replace the salts lost in sweat.
  • Use urine colour to gauge hydration status throughout the day. Drink more if urine is dark and ease off if urine is clear/colourless.
  • Don’t over consume fluids – particularly plain water without electrolytes if you have sweated considerably.

Watch the video here!

Rachel’s Instagram channel: @rcperformancenutrition

Mark Pearce SteeplechaseCategoriesAnnouncement Student News

Birmingham Talent Hub scholars on radar for Paris

Birmingham Talent Hub scholars on radar for Paris

PATHWAY TO PARIS – With the UK Athletics Outdoor Championships 2024 taking place in Manchester from 29 – 30 June, current student Oliver Dustin and alumni Issy Boffey, Mark Pearce and Sarah McDonald train hard to qualify and gain selection for Team GB at the Paris Olympics 2024. 

Oliver Dustin

 

Current Healthcare Technologies master’s student, Oliver, is an 800m runner originally from Workington. Running from the age of nine, he took every opportunity to get on the track through clubs, school and the University.

 

Back in 2021, Oliver temporarily held the fastest worldwide time in the Men’s 800m. He had a taste of Olympic level competition in Tokyo, but unfortunately didn’t secure a spot in the final race due to his performance at the heats.

 

After facing several challenges on his journey, including illnesses and injuries post Toyko Olympics, Oliver has remained positive and worked incredibly hard to get himself back on the track and performing optimally.

Ollie Dustin running
@danvernonphoto
Issy Boffey holding medal to camera

Issy Boffey

 

University alumna, Issy, is an 800m runner who graduated in 2022 with a degree in Biomedical Sciences.

 

Beginning her running journey at the young age of eight, Issy has numerous medals under her belt, securing gold in the U18, U20 and U20 European Athletics. She then progressed to senior level representation, securing first place at the 1,000m at the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix.

 

2023 was a strong year for the athlete, achieving personal bests in the 800m indoors and outdoors, along with a winning national title at the British Indoor Championships.

 

Coached by Luke Gunn, Head of Performance at the University, Issy has become good friends with Luke and wife Hannah England outside of athletics!

Mark Pearce

 

Originally from Hertfordshire, Mark is a 3,000m steeplechase athlete who graduated in 2018 with a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

 

Mark was part of the BUCS Cross Country team at the University, and in his final year decided to try out steeplechase, as one of the few distanced running events he’d not yet done. That same year, he won first place in the England U23 championships.

 

Fast forward to 2021, he became the 3,000m steeplechase British champion. More recently in May 2024, Mark achieved his personal best in Brussels, to then be selected for Team GB at the European Athletics Championships this month in Rome.

Mark Pearce close up
@jrhodesathletics
Sarah McDonald on track
@jrhodesathletics

Sarah McDonald

 

Sarah is a middle-distance runner from Newcastle, specialising in the 1,500m. Graduating from the University with a degree in Medicine back in 2018, she is returning this year to embark on her journey into Dentistry

.

Over the last few years, Sarah has accumulated several GB titles. In 2017, she became a finalist in the European Cross Country championships, running the fastest leg of the day. Moving into 2018, Sarah competed in the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, placing eight in the 1,500m.

 

In 2019 she became a semi-finalist in the Doha World Championships, topped by a gold finish at the European Cross Country mixed relay.

Our Paris hopefuls demonstrate impressive sporting journeys, and we now look to the end of June where we hope to see the Paris Olympics become the next part of their exciting paths.

Make sure to keep up to date with our #PathwayToParis journey via our blogs and Instagram channel.

CategoriesEvents Student News

Your Sports Awards 2024 Wrapped

Your Sports Awards 2024 Wrapped

Students, staff and coaches across UoB Sport enjoyed an evening of celebrations and recognition at the Sports Awards 2024!

 

Introduced by Andy Allford, Director of Sport, we saw the event was hosted by Helen Coy, Participation Development Manager, and Amy Preston, Club Development Manager.

 

With 13 award categories this year, the evening was full of celebrations across our sportspersons, clubs, and coaches.

 

Read on for a breakdown of our winners!

SPORTS COLOURS

 

Sport Colours are non-performance-based and awarded to individuals based on a member’s contribution beyond their established role, going over and above for their club or for sport across the University. 

 

Presented by Gary Bilham.

 

Well done to:

Josh Woods (Athletics), Jack Kadansky (Boxing), Asia Abadie (Fencing), William Clark (Handball), Duncan Gladwin (Hockey), Lucy Dawson (Hockey), Paddy Walton (Hockey) and Sophie Flint (Hockey), Joe Quelch (Men’s Rugby Union), Abi Turner (Netball), Halee Robinson (Netball), Holly Gaiger (Netball) and Maisie Stearns (Netball), Daniel Rhymer (Snooker & Pool) and Jonathan Mulvey (Snooker & Pool), Caitlyn Byrne (Women’s Basketball), Sophie Jarrett (Women’s Rugby Union) and Susannah Chitnis(Women’s Rugby Union).

We then moved on announce our individual and team awards….

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

This Award recognises individuals who have committed themselves to a cause, activity, or event for the greater good of their club, University, or wider community. 

 

Presented by Jon Elsmore, Director of Student Affairs.

 

The winner of this award is Jethro McGraw! A dedicated alumnus, Jethro has voluntarily coached two individual athletes to silverware-earning Great Britain debuts – Tyler Bilyard and Zoe Hunter – in addition to seeing those two athletes win individual medals for UoB at BUCS indoor athletics championships and team medals at BUCS Cross Country Championships.

CAMPUS LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR

 

The Campus League Team of the Year award aims to recognise and celebrate the teams that best embody the Campus League ethos of participation, good sportsmanship and enjoyment of the game.

 

Presented by Sophie Mallinson, Participation Development Officer.

 

MFL Society Netball were crowned the winners!  This year saw the club achieving its first win, after several years of straight losses in Campus League.

REGIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

 

The Regional Team of the Year award aims to celebrate the achievements of some of our stand-out University teams that compete on a regional level within BUCS.

 

Presented by Matt Bridge, Deputy Head of the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences.

 

Congratulations to Squash Men’s 3s, who completed the double this season, winning the BUCS Squash Tier 2 League and crowned BUCS Midlands Conference Cup Final Winners.

CLUB OF THE YEAR

 

This award is based on the overall success of a club across a number of areas. This can include – but is not limited to – committee and/or performance achievements, developments and innovation within the club, member engagement and connection with the wider sporting community both in- and external to the university.

 

Presented by Luke Gunn, Head of Performance.

 

Birmingham Squash excelled as the country’s top team for overall BUCS Squash Points 23-24 – an improvement from last year’s 2nd place – and both Men’s 1s and Women’s 1s were crowned BUCS National Champions. Women’s 2, Men’s 2 and Men’s 3 – each won their league with Men’s 4 runners-up (behind Men’s 3). Off the court, the club secured two sponsorship deals worth £2000 – the biggest ever sponsorship deals which has seen the development of a new social squash programme, offering 3 committee-led sessions per week, Pay-as-you-go social squash memberships and the continuation of three teams in Warwickshire League, providing opportunity for our lower team players to have more regular competitive match play. 

GRADUATING SCHOLARS

This year we will see a number of our most successful, highest profile and longest serving scholars graduate.

 

Amelia Quirk

Amelia has consistently excelled on both the international and national stage during her time studying Biomedical Materials Science followed by postgraduate research within the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. Highlights include a 5th place finish at the 2021 European Indoor Championships, along with several stand-out performances as part of the Great Britain Cross-Country team at European and World Championships. Amelia has also been an integral part of the club’s endurance squad winning multiple individual and teams medals, including the BUCS Cross Country title this year. 

 

Lily Walker

In 2022, at the end of her second year of study, Lily officially moved from Great Britain Hockey’s Elite Development Programme into the senior full-time setup, before gaining selection for her first World Cup held in Spain and the Netherlands. Her meteoric rise continued that summer when, as the youngest member of the squad, Lily won Commonwealth Gold for England in front of Old Joe on the Bournbook pitches. Lily was crowned University of Birmingham Sports Person of the Year in 2023. With over 50 combined caps for GB and England, Lily now has her sights set on selection for the 2024 Paris Olympics as she graduates from Social Policy.

 

Lachlan Moorhead

Following a stellar junior career, Lachlan has since become an established senior international athlete as part of British Judo’s World Class Programme. Career highlights, alongside his Business Management studies, include Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Gold and 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Bronze. The GB number one has competed at numerous European and World Senior Championships and recently missed out on Paris 2024 qualification by the narrowest of margins.

 

Yasmin Javadian

Yasmin graduates from Dental Surgery with the 2022 Commonwealth Games Bronze medal capping off five fantastic years at Birmingham. During this period, she has exemplified the definition of a dual career student-athlete, balancing international judo alongside Dentistry. Yasmin’s long list of achievements include two European Junior Championship medals, British Junior and Senior titles, BUCS Gold, alongside the Bradnock Prize in Behavioural Science as part of her degree.

Thank you to each of you for all that you’ve done for the University, Sport, the Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway scholarship programme and your Clubs during your time with us. We wish you all the very best for your future endeavours. 

HALF BLUES

 

Half blues are awarded to those who have achieved either a BUCS individual medal or a BUCS Team Championship gold medal during the 2023-24 academic year.

 

Presented by Adam Witt, BUCS Administrator.

 

We saw nearly 40 students awarded their half blues across Archery, Athletics, Fencing, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Netball, Powerlifting, Rowing, Snooker & Pool, Squash, Trampolining, Waterpolo, Weightlifting and Rugby Union Women’s

FULL BLUES

 

Full Blues are awarded to those individuals that have competed internationally at a senior championships.

 

This category was presented by Olympian and UoB Sport Hall of Fame Inductee, Hannah England.

 

Well done to our award winners:

 

From Lacrosse, Lottie Davies and Jessica Westwood….

 

and from Squash Elliott Morris Devred, Moustafa El Sirty and Nika Urh

STUDENT COACH OF THE YEAR

 

This award aims to recognise current students who are regarded as having made the most outstanding contribution to club sport through their role as a coach, working closely with their club committee to direct the development of the club and support members’ personal and performance development.

 

Presented by Cat Hardiman, Sports Officer

 

Congratulations to Alex Barker (Women’s Football) for winning this award. Alex’s guidance this year has contributed greatly to the progression and success of the 3s team going the season unbeaten and winning their league.

Working with players on and off the pitch, Alex has supported the entirety of the club by stepping up and supporting the 1s and 2s on matchdays.

COACH OF THE YEAR

 

The Coach of the Year award is for an individual who is regarded as having made the most outstanding contribution to club sport through their role as a coach.

 

Presented by Colette Thompson MBE, UoB Sport Hall of Fame Inductee

 

This year Dean Miller (Athletics) takes the crown. He has grown the Endurance team into a record 150 club members, plus another 50+ alumni and associates that train with us locally.

 

The University also had a record 4 participants at the World University Cross Country Championships in Oman this February all of whom came home with team medals. Dean was the GB Team Leader for this trip – which is once again the first time a UoB coach has held such a role. In ParaAthletics, Dean led in school outreach and development of a para programme at the University alongside the Birmingham Athletics Academy which caters for 8-16year old beginners in the sport. Dean will be on the GB team staff for the Paralympics this Summer in Paris.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

 

The Outstanding Contribution award celebrates outstanding contribution made by an individual towards the continued improvement of UoB Sport & Fitness and the instances in which they have gone beyond expectations.

 

Presented by Simon Bray, Director of Campus Services.

 

Tara Hayes-Pankhurst (Active Residences) was announced as the winner. Tara has been working as part of the active residence’s activators team for 18 months. She has then supported the participation team in running Social Tennis, Social Badminton, and the delivery of kid’s camps. Her efforts have made a positive difference to students living in halls, Sport & Fitness members, students accessing the social sport sessions and wider members of the community.

NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

The National Team of the Year award aims to recognise and highlight the stand-out successes of a select number of our University teams that compete on a national level within BUCS.

 

Presented by Victor Ubogu, Hall of Fame inductee.

 

Well done to Cross Country Men’s, who were selected for a number of incredible achievements:

 

This year, the club have had their most successful year as a team, contributing to the most ever medals by any university at BUCS competitions and in a 150 strong competition. The men’s team this year completed their first ever clean sheet on the podium with Will Barnicoat taking GOLD, Tomer Tarragano Silver and Ollie Smart Bronze achieving Team GOLD in the BUCS Cross Country Long race. The Cross Country Short Team did not disappoint either with Elliot Morgan winning Silver, Sam Burkitt securing Bronze with overall Team Gold. Nine current students have also been selected to compete for GB at European level.

SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

This is the highest individual accolade awarded by the University of Birmingham, in recognition and celebration of the very highest sporting level. 

 

Presented by Deborah Longworth, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education.

 

The nominees for this prestigious award were:

 

Para-Sport champion Didi Okoh, who is the all-time BUCS points scorer for UoB Athletics, with realistic aims of competing at the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games.

 

England U21 Hockey captain and UoB Hockey captain Evie Wood, who is currently training with the senior Team GB squad following in the footsteps of the university’s strong hockey alumni.

 

GB Senior Swimmer and triple British Champion, Ollie Morgan who’s two gold medals at the Aquatics CG Championships secured his qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games.

 

GB Senior Athlete and U20 and U23 European Cross Country Champion, Will Barnicoat, who made his senior debut at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

 

Congratulations to Ollie Morgan who secured this years title of Sportsperson of the Year!

Thank you to everybody who attended our evening of celebrations and made it so special! The Sports Awards always serve as an excellent reminder of just how much incredible sport and achievements take place across the year- and raise the bar for next year!

Event photo credits: Mark Assinder

Lachlan Moorhead smiling with commonwealth gold medalCategoriesAnnouncement Student News

CWG Gold Medallist Lachlan Moorhead aims for Paris selection

CWG Gold Medallist Lachlan Moorhead aims for Paris selection

PATHWAY TO PARIS – University of Birmingham Judo scholar, Lachlan Moorhead, focuses on maximising his points in hopes of securing a spot at the Paris Olympics.

Lachlan has been practising Judo since he was just five years old, following in his father’s footsteps. Originally from Penistone where he was coached by his father, he is currently in his final year studying Business Management at the University of Birmingham.

 

When joining the University, Lachlan was awarded an EDCAP scholarship, providing him access to tailored support from the Performance Centre and scholarships team. This has allowed him to balance his Judo commitments alongside his academics.

The highlight of Lachlan’s career so far took place at the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in Birmingham, where he won gold in the 81kg class.

 

In the lead up to the Paris Olympics, Lachlan has committed to an intense competition schedule, travelling to events across the globe in efforts to maximise his points.

 

Next week he will head to the World Judo Championships hosted in Abu Dhabi, providing him with a final opportunity to hit the qualifying points for Paris in the summer.

Lachlan Moorhead at competition

We caught up with Lachlan in the midst of his busy competition schedule. Check out the interview here. 

 

His other achievements include securing bronze medals at the Kaunas European Junior cup and Junior Championships in 2019. Moving into 2021, Lachlan brought home a bronze medal from the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and became a British Champion at the British Judo Championships, where he won the half-middleweight division.

UoB athlete high jumping over barCategoriesAnnouncement Student News

History made at Athletics BUCS Outdoor Championships

History made at Athletics

BUCS Outdoor Championships

University of Birmingham Athletics Club rounded off a memorable 2023/24 season with even more medals at the BUCS Athletics Championships in Manchester.

Did Okoh smiling on track

Third year law student Didi Okoh won the 60m ambulant race as she moved to the club’s all-time highest individual BUCS points.

 

In her three years studying and competing, she has collection 76 points overtaking Commonwealth Heptathlon Champion and alumna Louise Hazel.

This year’s Outdoors Athletics saw Birmingham eclipse their previous best of 19 medals with 21 medals across all events. The club took 72 athletes (previous best of 65) and came away with 230 BUCS points.

The records kept coming as the Men’s team collected their highest-ever points taking, a club record the women’s 4x 100m team and Abby Ives back-to-back 800m  win means that Birmingham have won this event for the last six years.

Abbie Ives running side shot
Men's race ft Tyler Bilyard

Third year Tyler Bilyard, now holds both indoor and outdoor 1500m titles, with post-grad Jake Matthews and fourth year Craig Moncur both score points in 3 different events

See the teams full results below

 

GOLD 🥇

Didi Okoh, 60m Amb

Will Barnicoat, 5000m

Kimani Jack, High Jump

Orla Brennan, 400 Hurdles

Jake Minshull, 400 Hurdles

Thomas Bridger, Steeplechase

Abbie Ives, 800m

Tyler Bilyard, 1500m

 

SILVER 🥈

Fenton Bishop-Timings, Javelin

Jake Matthews, Shot Put

Tomer Tarragano, 5000m

Amelia Briggs-Goode, 400 Hurdles

Women’s 4x100m

Women’s 4x400m

 

BRONZE🥉

Charlotte Alexander, 10k

James Pratt, Javelin

Izzy Skelton, 400m

Lily Holt, High Jump

Martha Collings, Steeplechase

Elsa Palmer, 1500m

Men’s 4x400m

 

4TH

Sam Clifton, Hammer

Dani Hales, 100m Hurdles

Zoe Hunter, 1500m

 

5TH

Elisha Tait, 10k

Elisha Tait, 5000m

Rachel Wall, Javelin

Zion Ateba, High Jump

 

6TH

Jasmine Wilkins, 60m

Jake Matthews, Discus

Will Sutton, High Jump

Josh Woods, Long Jump

Holly Weedal, 5000m

Emilie Oakden, Pole Vault

Isaac Rothwell, 1500m

Men’s 4x100m

 

7TH

Emelina Darvell, Discus

Toby Cherry, High Jump

Ben Gardiner, 800m

Lottie Dewar, 800m

 

8TH

Finlay Ward, 10k

Rosie Hamilton-James, 10k

Isaac Hirschman-Chandler, 5000m

Craig Moncur, Long Jump

Archie Parkinson, 800m

Trio walking alongside the outdoor courtsCategoriesEvents

Walk your way into May | National Walking Month

Walk your way into May | National Walking Month

May marks National Walking Month, centred around promoting the benefits of walking on your physical and mental wellbeing.

What are the physical benefits of walking?

 

From a physical health perspective, walking is a fantastic form of exercise that can increase cardiovascular fitness. When done regularly, it strengthens bones, boosts endurance and improves your heart health. Whether you prefer a slow stroll with a friend in the park, or a faster paced walk whilst listening to your favourite hype songs – all forms of walking are beneficial.

Sport & Fitness centre

How can walking improve mental wellbeing?

 

Walks can help increase mental alertness and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. They are a great way to clear your head, re-align your focus and self-reflect. Fancy some company? Taking a stroll with friends, family and loved ones provides the perfect opportunity to have a conversation and share thoughts at the same time as keeping active – it’s a win win!

Walking opportunities at the University

 

Active club

 

As part of our Active Club Programme, we host Walking Sport sessions which are exactly as the name suggests – playing your favourite sports, but at a slower pace by walking. These sessions are open to all, and offer a gentler form of exercise tailored to all fitness levels. With Table Tennis, Basketball, Football and Netball taking place every week, get involved and meet likeminded people.

Outdoor courts with blossom tree
Outdoor courts with blossom tree

Explore the campus

 

With a beautiful campus to explore right at your fingertips (or toe-tips in this case), take a scenic walk around our facilities and the wider campus. We may be biased, but the path alongside our outdoor sports courts offers a fantastic view of both sports action and the blooming blossom trees.

 

The Campus Mile is a guided route around campus, that takes 30 minutes on average to complete at a leisurely pace – we recommend you check the weather forecast beforehand!

Behind view of girl on cross-trainer

Discover our gym facilities

 

Should the sunny spring weather not hold up, there’s always the option to get your steps in indoors!

 

With our recent Technogym refurbishment, we have a range of recently installed, world-class cardiovascular equipment for you to track your steps, speed, endurance and more!