Olympic hopefuls on countdown for shot at Paris sporting glory

Student, staff, and alumni Olympic hopefuls from the University of Birmingham are counting down the days to the Summer Games in Paris.

With less than 100 days until the start of the 2024 Olympics, the athletes are putting in the hard hours of practice – supported by the University’s expert coaching team.

And as the athletes – from all parts of the UK and beyond – set their sights on Paris, sports leaders at the University are calling for sporting alumni to ‘return home’ and join the community of sport in Birmingham.

University of Birmingham Director of Sport Andy Allford commented: “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 Olympic hopefuls every success in reaching the Games in Paris this summer.

“We are building a strong sporting community and would love to hear from alumni now working in sport, who would like to ‘return home’ to Birmingham and contribute their expertise to helping develop the next generation of our athletes and coaches.”

Current Sport & Exercise Science student Oliver Morgan, from Ludlow, will join the Team GB swimming team – securing his place in Paris after recently breaking a national men’s 100m backstroke record that had stood since 2009.

Oliver has been supported in his quest for Olympic glory by University of Birmingham Head Swimming Coach Gary Humpage and staff at the University’s Performance Sport Centre.

Meanwhile, current student Oliver Dustin, from Workington, is working hard to secure a place in the Team GB athletics team – hoping to compete in the 800m in Paris – whilst studying MSc Healthcare Technology at the University. Oliver is supported by the Elite Dual Career Athlete Programme (EDCAP) led by Head of Performance Luke Gunn – himself a four-time British Steeplechase Champion and three-time Commonwealth Games participant.

The University of Birmingham could be well-represented at the Games, which open in Paris on 26 July, with a range of Olympic hopefuls including:

· Staff and alumna Sarah McDonald, Jarrow – 1500m and Cross Country
· Staff and alumnus Mark Pearce, St Albans – Steeplechase
· Alumna and graduate scholar Issy Boffey, Enfield – 800m
· Student Lachlan Moorhead, Penistone, Yorkshire – Judo, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist
· Lily Walker, Cannock – Hockey, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist
· Hannah Pearce, Johannesburg – Hockey

The University also has a wide selection of coaches and officials who will be taking part in the Games including:
· Alumna Hannah Harrison – Hockey Official

· Staff member & Alumna Hannah England, Oxford – Media/Commentary. Silver Medallist in 2011 World Championships and London 2012 Olympian.

· Staff member & Alumnus Dean Miller, Barrow-in-Furness – Paralympian/Team GB Coach

· Alumnus Ollie Armstrong, Norwich – Athletics Support Staff Team Canada

University of Birmingham Head of Performance Luke Gunn commented: “The University of Birmingham is well-recognised for our credentials in studies related to sport – we are currently ranked 7th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

“Regardless of what students choose to study at Birmingham, in supporting our athletes, we aim to strike the perfect balance between sport and study. People can come here, confident in the knowledge that they can pursue both their academic and athletic aspirations.”