Latest news from Loughborough University
| 6 August 2008 | PR 08/120 |
Largest ever Loughborough contingent are ready for Beijing Olympics
A staggering 55 Loughborough students past and present and University-based athletes are making their final preparations for the much anticipated Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, which kick off this weekend.
Loughborough will be represented by athletes across eight different sports and four different nations, with more than 20 support staff also directly involved with teams at the Games.
This figure marks the University’s largest ever contingent at an Olympics and Paralympics, with Loughborough’s British athletes accounting for over 13% of Team GB.
“It is outstanding that so many Loughborough athletes have qualified for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing”, said Director of Sport Chris Earle. “The University has a proud history of developing world class athletes and to break the 50 mark at this year’s Games is an incredible achievement.
“The fact so many athletes choose to study and train at Loughborough is testament to the first-rate coaches, facilities, support staff and courses we are able to offer on campus and a dedication to sport unparalleled in Europe.”
The Olympics opens this Friday (8 August) and closes on Sunday 24 August. Loughborough athletes are in action every day. The Paralympic Games run from 6-11 September. To find out more and for the latest on their progress log onto http://www.lboro.ac.uk/beijing
Athletics
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Vicky Barr, Michael Bingham, Michelle Carey (Ireland),
Helen Clitheroe, Joanne Cuddihy (Ireland), Kate Dennison, Lisa Dobriskey,
Nathan Douglas, David Gillick (Ireland), Jeanette Kwayke, Steve Lewis,
Lee McConnell, Barbara Parker, Paula Radcliffe, Martyn Rooney, Nicola
Sanders, Goldie Sayers, Andrew Turner
Swimming
Julia Beckett, David Carry, Euan Dale, Ross Davenport, David Davies, James
Goddard, Kate Haywood, Mel Marshall, Dean Milwain, Caitlin McClatchey,
Lizzie Simmonds, Liam Tancock
Triathlon
Hollie Avil, Will Clarke, Tim Don, Jessica Harrison (France)
Hockey
Richard Alexander, Jennie Bimson, Jon Bleby, Glenn Kirkham, Ali McGregor,
Barry Middleton, Ali Wilson, Lucilla Wright
Canoe
Heather Corrie (USA), Fiona Pennie, Lucy Wainwright
Badminton
Donna Kellogg
Paralympics
Kenny Churchill (Athletics), Daniel Greaves (Athletics), Sophie Hancock
(Athletics), Gemma Prescott (Athletics), Clare Strange (Wheelchair Basketball),
Hannah Stodel (Sailing), Dan West (Athletics), Claire Williams (Athletics)
-ENDS-
- Loughborough has its own Embassy in Beijing for the Games. For more information contact Sports PR Officer Amanda Overend on 07967 665 946 or email a.j.overend@lboro.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities,
with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research,
strong links with industry and unrivalled sporting achievement.
It is a member of the esteemed 1994 Group – a set of internationally
recognised, research intensive universities – and has a reputation
for the relevance of its work. Its degree programmes are highly regarded
by professional institutions and businesses, and its graduates are consistently
targeted by the UK’s top recruiters.
Loughborough is also the UK’s premier university for sport. It has
perhaps the best integrated sports development environment in the world
and is home to some of the country’s leading coaches, sports scientists
and support staff. It also has the country’s largest concentration
of world-class training facilities across a wide range of sports.
In the 2007 National Student Survey, the University was voted fourth in
the UK, with 23 out of 29 of Loughborough’s subject areas being
ranked in the top ten for overall satisfaction. Loughborough is also ranked
in the top fifteen of UK universities in national league tables. It was
named winner of the 2006 and 2007 Times Higher award for the UK’s
Best Student Experience and winner of the 2007 award for Outstanding Support
for Overseas Students. In recognition of its contribution to the sector,
the University has been awarded six Queen's Anniversary Prizes –
an achievement bettered by no other university.