Paris 2024 finish lineCategoriesAnnouncement

#PathwaytoParis | Record breaking Paralympics for Brum

#PathwaytoParis | Record breaking Paralympics for Brum

University of Birmingham celebrated its highest ever medal haul in this year’s 2024 Paralympic Games.

Team GB’s Birmingham representatives contributed six of the 124 medals which saw the 215-strong squad finish second in the medal table.

 

Para Rower Josh O’Brien, Para Cyclist Laura Sugar and Para Triathlete Megan Richter all won gold in their respective fields, contributing to the 49 total gold medals won by GB.

 

Annie Caddick secured a silver also in the rowing, with Para Athlete Didi Okoh and Birmingham Hall of Famer Lora Fachie OBE bringing home bronze.

 

Alumni Alison Peasgood narrowly missed out on a bronze with a fourth-placed finish in her Para Triathlon event.

 

UOB School student Maddie Downs also represented GB in the Para Athletics. 

With eight UoB athletes and four coaches, support staff and management in attendance, the Paris Paralympics have been extra special for us at home on campus watching our Birmingham representatives play their part for Team GB.

Set against the backdrop of the French capital’s most iconic venues, the eleven days of competition with over 4,000 athletes had us glued to our TV screens.

 

As the curtain falls on the closing ceremony, and the baton is officially passed on to LA2028, we take a look back and bask in the glory of our returning athletes.

 

 

Para Athletics

With 164 Para athletics events held at the Stade de France, para athletics brings together the largest number of athletes and events. The Team GB squad included recent graduate Didi Okoh, who attended her debut Games in the T63 100m category – now a Bronze medalist.

 

Also in the squad was UoB School student Maddie Downs, who trains on the UoB running track with the University’s Athletics coach Dean Miller. A London 2012 Paralympian and T37 1500m European medallist, Dean Miller joined up with Team GB as an Endurance Coach for Team GB and is an alumnus and staff member and has worked with both athletes heading to Paris.

Didi Okoh jumping with happiness after securing bronze
Laura Sugar holding gold medal smiling

Para Canoe

Paralympic veteran Laura Sugar MBE took on her third Games at Paris 2024 in the Kayak 200m, and capped off an incredible campaign with a gold medal.

Para Cycling

Lora Fachie OBE went into the 2024 Games hoping to keep hold of her Pursuit Champion title – however she had to settle for bronze in the end, but as one of the University’s Sport Hall of Famers, she continues to be an inspiration to all.

Lora Fachie holding bronze medal with fellow para-athlete

Para Rowing

Two more recent alumni and Paralympic first-timers, Annie Caddick and Josh O’Brien, were part of the Team GB Rowing squad who took to the water at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. With a gold medal for Josh and a silver for Annie, both youngsters can look forward to exciting careers for the future.

Annie Caddick with medal
Josh O Brien team

Para Triathlon

Alison Peasgood, experienced Paralympic champion, and current scholar Megan Richter, for whom Paris was her inaugural Games, were part of the largest ever Para Triathlon squad to go to a Games for Team GB. Clearly, the formidable team atmosphere helped push the athletes over the finish line – with Alison coming fourth vat her third consecutive Paralympics and Megan bringing home a gold medal, despite suffering major injury at the start of the year.

Megan Richter,
Alison Peasgood

Penny Briscoe OBE continues her role as Para Team GB’s Chef de Mission, a position she has held since 2014 as well as being the Director of Sport for the team.

 

As Para GB’s most successful ever Chef de Mission, Penny has facilitated an environment in which both athletes and staff can thrive, and ensured that para-sport continues to develop nationally and internationally.

 

Maimee Titmuss-Morris, the University’s first Performance Lifestyle Lead, is now the Performance Lifestyle Coach for British Gymnastics and British Triathlon and is accompanying Team GB as the Staff Wellbeing Manager.

 

London 2012 Paralympian and T37 1500m European medallist Dean Miller will be the Endurance Coach for Team GB. Dean is an alumnus and staff member and has worked with both athletes heading to Paris.

 

Vicki Barker, who was Guild VP for Sport (2013-14) and Captain of the UoB Gymnastics Club during her time at the University, is off to the Paralympics working on Women’s Rugby management.

Photo creds: imagecomms, David Pearce, Sam Mellish, Paralympics GB.

Josh O'Brien and Para rowing team sport medalsCategoriesAnnouncement Events

#PathwaytoParis: Three Days, Four Paralympic Medals

#PathwaytoParis | Three Days, Four Medals

With this year’s Paralympic Games underway, Birmingham is playing its part with four medallists helping GB to a successful start in Paris.

Sports scholar Megan Richter wearing her British Triathlon kit, smiling at the camera

It was gold for Megan Richter in her maiden Games in the PTS4 category with the 23-year-old helping GB to a five-medal Triathlon haul.

 

The Cardiovascular Sciences alumna’s success looked in doubt only a year ago when recurring stress fractures looked to have halted her career. However, her extensive rehab and training with the UoB Sport Performance and Scholarship teams not only helped her to overcome her injury – but also realise her Olympic dream.

 

Watch our latest video with Megan here

 

Para Rower Josh O’Brien also claimed the University’s first gold of the games in the PR3 mixed coxed four event – a sport he only took up two years ago.

 

The 22-year-old took up the sport in his second year studying economics at the University and, following a gold in his debut Games, it looks to have been the right decision.

Josh O'Brien team photo with GB rowing team, medals around necks
Credits: Benedict Tufnell
Annie Caddick with fellow rower, medals around necks
Credit: Benedict Tufnell
Lora Fachie Hall of Fame

Fellow Para Rower Annie Caddick claimed a silver medal in her PR3 mixed doubles sculls event, who’s rowing career also began during her time at Birmingham.

 

Birmingham’s four medal of the Games so far was secured by UoB Sport Hall of Famer Lora Fachie OBE who won bronze in the Para Cycling Pursuit. The former champion missed out on defending her title, but will have another chance at a medal in the road races.

The Games continue in Paris until 8 September, so keep an eye out on the @UBSport Instagram page for all the latest updates from Paris.

Running trackCategoriesMember News Nutrition

Summer of Nutrition: Optimise your run

Optimise your run 

Whether it’s a 5km, 10km, half-marathon, marathon or ultra, everyone seems to be training for a race or running in some capacity!

 

Whilst your overall nutrition (daily intakes) and fuelling and refuelling (the nutrition you take on before, during and after running) will vary considerably depending on the distance you are running and your training volume, there are a few general principles we can apply across the board to support all runners.

*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.

Campus 3k run

Nutrition tips for running

 

  • In the 1-4 hours before a run, athletes should prioritise good sources of carbs to fuel them. Particularly within the 1-2 hours pre-run, snacks and meals should be high-carb, low-fibre, and low-fat to make them easy to digest and prevent an upset stomach. A good example would be a white bagel topped with banana and jam.
  • For runs longer than 60 mins, it is recommended to have some carbs during exercise. Generally, 30 grams of carbs per hour is recommended for exercise lasting 1-2 hours, 60g for exercise lasting 2-3 hours, and even up to 90g for exercise lasting over 2.5 hours! Again, this carb source should be low-fibre, low-fat and easy to digest. Good examples include energy gels, chews, sweets, and sports drinks. *If you have never taken on carbs/food during a run before then start small (e.g., one gel = ~24g carbs) and build up from there – your gut needs training, just as you do!
  • To refuel and recover, aim to get a source of carbs and protein within 30-60mins post-run. A good example is Greek yoghurt with granola, mango, berries and honey. **The exact amount of carbs/food required pre- and post-run is dependent on the individual, duration of the run, etc. I recommend working with a SENR registered Sports Nutritionist if you want personalised recommendations.
  • Don’t forget to stay hydrated/rehydrate throughout – see my previous blog post on hydration!
  • Keep an eye out for signs of undereating for the training you are doing (see below). Prioritising rest, fuelling/refuelling and eating a little more overall may rectify these symptoms but if not, please seek the help of a SENR Registered Sports Nutritionist or your GP.
Pasta

Why is my nutrition important?

 

Eating enough for the training you are doing is important for maintaining good health, adapting to training (getting fitter and faster), and preventing illness, injury and fatigue.

Good hydration, fuelling and refuelling strategies will also benefit your performance, reduce the risk of an upset stomach when running, and support recovery and adaptation so you can continue to progress in your training.

Signs you might be under eating

 

  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue (that is more than expected given training volume)
  • Periods becoming irregular or absent in females
  • Low libido in males
  • Reoccurring injury or illness
  • Feeling cold often

 

Salmon, egg etc

UoB Performance Nutrition lead Rachel’s Instagram channel: @rcperformancenutrition

Boost your health with our facilities this summer
Classes at 360CategoriesAnnouncement

#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 games starting this Friday on 26 July, there will be athletes competing for 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 the games 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 Games debut for GB Swimming.
  • 4x400m relay athlete and staff member Hannah Kelly heads to her first Games with 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 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 GB’s Cycling team.
  • Former TASS scholar and alumna Heather Cowell is named in GB’s Women’s Rugby Sevens squad.
  • Middle-distance runner and alumna Georgia Bell secured her GB spot at the UK Championships.
  • Alumni Annie Caddick and Josh O’ Brien have both been selected to represent GB in Para-Rowing.
  • Reigning KL3 canoe sprint Para-Games champion and alumna Laura Sugar MBE will join 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 Para-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 GB’s largest ever paratriathlon squad.

Confirmed Coaches and Support Staff

  • Penny Briscoe OBE continues her role as Para-Games 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 GB Hockey as Head of Performance Health for GB Hockey.
  • Former Para-Games and Athletics coach Dean Miller joins GB’s coaching staff as Athletics Endurance Manager for Para-Games 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 Games every success this summer.’

University official press release
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

Boost your health with our facilities this summer
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!

UoB Tennis Club
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.’ 

More about Active Residences
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
Explore our Athletics and XC Club
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

Boost your health with our facilities this summer
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.

Explore our Athletics club
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