Supported all the way to the top
Our strong reputation for producing Olympic and Paralympic heroes is prominent for several reasons, one of those being the vital support and backing our athletes receive from those that believe in them.
The University has had a prominent reputation for producing and supporting world-class elite athletes for many years. Our alumni list proudly boasts some of the biggest names in sport and our name has been connected to many young athletes as they have risen to the top of their game.
Several factors contribute towards supporting these athletes to achieve their best, including access to some of the best facilities in the country and a hugely experienced and knowledgeable team of support staff. But, the contributing factor that can make the biggest difference to these athletes' careers is one that others may not see: the support our scholar athletes receive from donors.
Donations provide sports scholars with first-class coaching, sports science and sports medicine support as well as access to extensive indoor and outdoor training and competition facilities. The support also enables scholars to enhance their development by supporting them with any unexpected costs around attending competitions or equipment.
Donations to our sports scholarships can have a profound impact on a young person’s life. A scholarship can be a lifeline for those just starting out in their sport, or those who are unable to secure lottery funding. Your generosity is nurturing talent and supporting individuals who may one day secure glory at the highest level.
Scholar success in Tokyo
The Loughborough sporting family has seen great success at many major competitions over the years, and this summer they had their opportunity to shine at the long-awaited 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Over 100 students, alumni, and Loughborough-associated athletes travelled out to Japan, and went on to bring home 35 medals - 9 Gold, 12 Silver, and 14 Bronze - a phenomenal feat and testament to the hard work of our athletes and their support teams.
In that group of Loughborough athletes, 39 were current and former Loughborough sports scholars, which shows the role your support can play in helping our athletes to reach the highest levels of their sport.
The past and present scholars went on to win one Gold, five Silver and four Bronze (nine if you count a medal for each of the Loughborough hockey players).
Olympic competition
- Liam Heath won his third consecutive Olympic medal, taking Bronze in the sprint canoe. Liam graduated from Loughborough in 2006 with a BSc in Industrial Design and Technology.
- Luke Greenbank was part of the British swimming team that set the pool alight in Tokyo, winning Bronze in the 200m backstroke, which was Great Britain’s first men’s backstroke medal at the Olympic Games since 1908. Luke was also part of the 4x100 men's medley team that won Silver. Luke graduated with a BSc in Applied Sports Science in July 2021.
- James Wilby was also part of the successful 4x100 men's medley team that won Silver. James graduated from Loughborough University in 2019 with a BSc in Chemistry.
- Holly Bradshaw took Bronze in the Pole Vault, claiming Britain's first ever Olympic medal in the discipline. She is currently studying for an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough.
- Team GB’s women’s hockey team secured Bronze at the Games, with the help of six current and former Loughborough scholars. Izzy Petter, who has just completed her first year studying for a BSc Geography and Sport Science, and Ellie Rayer, a PhD student in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, will return to campus as Olympic medallists.
- The women's hockey team also included former scholars Giselle Ansley (BSc Sport and Exercise Science, 2014), Sarah Jones (BSc Geography and Sport Management, 2011), Laura Unsworth (BSc Accounting and Financial Management, 2013), and Leah Wilkinson (BSc Sociology, 2008).
Paralympic competition
- Crystal Lane-Wright, a para cyclist who was supported by the Peter Harrison Foundation and the Peter Harrison Centre during her time at Loughborough, won a hat trick of silver medals in the individual pursuit C5, the road time trial C5, and the road race C4–5. Crystal graduated from Loughborough in 2013 with an MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition.
The class of 2020/21
Here we share some of the details of the scholars your funding supported during 2020/21.
Lizzie Neal
Senior Team GB women’s hockey team
Lizzie graduated from Loughborough over the summer with a BSc in Sports Management. She trained full-time as a senior athlete whilst completing her studies, meaning that getting the right balance was essential. Funding as a sports scholar enabled Lizzie to do this successfully. Here she shares her experience and how her scholarship has supported her on her journey to both academic and sporting success.
“During the first lockdown the Olympics got postponed and this affected my training as we were at the height of our preparations. I adapted my training programme by moving back to my family home in Canterbury and doing my physical training in the countryside. My scholarship funding also enabled me to buy the equipment I needed to complete my training in my home environment.
“Prior to this, I was travelling back and forth between Loughborough and my training base, so the scholarship helped to fund this.
“The circumstances of the pandemic also meant that I was able to focus on my studies more and really take time with my dissertation. It also taught me how to be adaptable and resilient and deal with the situations thrown at me.
“It was tough just missing out on selection for the Tokyo Olympics, but without the support of the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to get as close to selection as I did.
“During my time at Loughborough University, I was part of the Women's hockey XI, and competed in the premier league for the team’s first season. That experience taught me how to cope with the increased speed of the game and enabled me to play against more challenging opponents.
“Now I have graduated, I will continue to be part of the Senior Team GB women’s hockey team, with the aim of being selected for the Paris Olympics in 2024. I’m also hoping to play in the next Commonwealth Games, world cup and the Pro league.”
“Thank you for your amazing support whilst I have been at Loughborough University. It’s made a real difference in enabling me to pursue a hockey career. I cannot wait for the next few years and hope you will be able to see me on the world-class stage in the years to come.”
Lizzie Neal
James Mazarelo
Great Britain and England U21 men’s hockey team
James is currently studying for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science, and earlier this year was reselected for the Great Britain Elite Development Programme (GB EDP), a pivotal element of the Olympic Hockey pathway, which helps to identify the highest potential senior international players of the future. Here, he tells how the scholarship has supported his athlete and personal development in ways he didn’t expect.
“The pandemic has had a big impact on my hockey. I tried to be as positive as possible about lockdown. It gave me more time to concentrate on my exams, and I also tried to use the time as effectively as possible.
“During 2020/21, we were only able to play five national league games and the BUCS league was cancelled completely. In terms of international hockey all our tournaments and series were cancelled with training limited to one day sessions rather than multiple day camps. This led to an increase in the amount of travelling I was doing, so the scholarship really helped ease the financial pressure.
“The support of the scholarship also enabled me to fund some Pilates classes which fit around my schedule. These helped me to develop my core strength, flexibility and mobility which has helped my performance on the hockey pitch.
“The scholarship has also played a significant role in my personal development. I now have a UK coaching membership, have joined and completed multiple coaching workshops, and started my level 2 qualification. I also accessed voice coaching support to improve my communication both on and off the pitch.
“In the coming year I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my knowledge in anatomy and physiology as well as biomechanics, which I can then apply to my own sport. I’m hopeful for the return of some normality, particularly the return of BUCS sport (which I’ve really missed this year), pushing for promotion into the premier league with the Loughborough men’s team, and the Junior World Cup in December.”
“Thank you - the extra financial support has enabled me to be creative and adaptable in meeting my training targets and commitments and take up additional activities that have benefitted my hockey.”
James Mazarelo
Millie Cass
Para cyclist, ranked 12th in world for track cycling
Millie graduated from Loughborough in 2021, with a BSc in Psychology. She has been proud to compete in Loughborough colours during her time at university and here reflects on the impact receiving a scholarship has had on her goals for the future.
“During the pandemic I learnt that focusing on shorter term goals is just as important as long-term ones. Fortunately, as a cyclist, a lot of my training is out on the road, so I was able to continue throughout the pandemic. However, as a track rider too, I was unable to access the velodrome for well over a year. I also had to do my gym training at home. With the help from Loughborough staff though, I managed to adapt my training and continue to make progress.
“I was also elected as Welfare and Diversity Officer for AU cycling for 2020/21, which gave me the opportunity to give something back to the community who have been such a big part of my experience at Loughborough. Through this role I also supported individuals that struggled during the pandemic at university, an experience that will contribute to my skill set as a future psychologist.
“The scholarship support helped me to deal with costs associated with the pandemic, such as buying gym equipment to use at home, and maintaining my bike to continue training at a high level. It was also a form of motivation, knowing that others believed in my ability as an athlete.
“The scholarship helped me achieve things I could not have done otherwise and enabled me to maintain a good balance between my studies and sport, something that for me personally, was crucial to achieving success. The support meant I could focus fully on my goals and do everything within my power to achieve them.”
“Your support helped me hugely in continuing to strive towards becoming a professional athlete. Without your help I don’t think I would have been able to compete at the highest level whilst completing my degree.”
Millie Cass
Rebekah Walton
Ranked 1st in GB in javelin
Rebekah is currently a student at Loughborough, studying for a MEng in Mechanical Engineering. The pandemic presented her with some interesting challenges to overcome, and here she reflects on the positives she has taken from the experience and how your support helped her do this.
“Being a javelin thrower, my priority during lockdown was finding a place to throw whilst the track was closed. Fortunately, I had some very generous neighbours with a long garden, who in exchange for tutoring their children, were happy for me to throw on their lawn twice a week!
“I learnt the difference between working hard and working smart, and how to get the maximum potential out of every session. Lockdown also encouraged me to focus more and train independently, as I spent two months throwing without a coach and has given me more confidence in a competition environment to correct technical errors in my throws.
“When we were able to return to campus to train, the University were incredibly accommodating to ensure we were able to train in a safe, yet productive environment.
“In the absence of international training camps and competitions, the scholarship enabled me to purchase some kit to train at home and help me prepare for whenever it was possible to compete.
“As the travel restrictions during the pandemic limited international travel, the scholarship money also helped me fund domestic competition fees.
“As I split my year to accommodate my sporting commitments, I will be due to start my dissertation in the coming year. I’m really looking forward to getting more involved in research and seeing where it takes me, and also training hard to hopefully qualify for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
“I hope from this point onwards to attend and compete at major international championships, including the 2024 Olympics in Paris and truly begin my senior athletics career.”
“I can’t thank you enough for the support you have given me throughout my university journey. Your generous funds have allowed me to reach my maximum potential, and I will be forever grateful for your support.”
Rebekah Walton
Kirsty Taylor
Double silver medallist at World Junior Para Athletics Championships in 100m and 200m
Kirsty is currently studying Human Biology at Loughborough, whilst also pursuing her dreams of reaching the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Here she shares her thoughts on how well supported she has been since starting at the University.
“This year I have learnt lots about adapting and resilience. I have learnt to make the most of what is available in a situation and adapt in different ways, as well as staying focused and determined in an uncertain environment.
“I’ve also learnt the importance of having a good supportive team around me. I was injured earlier on in the year and having a team of coaches, physios, performance lifestyle, strength and conditioning, as well as others was really key to me getting back to full fitness as soon as possible.
“As a scholar, having access to Powerbase gym and the track throughout lockdowns has been absolutely amazing and has enabled me to train when many others haven't been able to. Also having access to physios, strength and conditioning and people who understand my disability, is integral to me being able to train to my full potential.
“Playing sport is a huge part of my Loughborough experience. Prior to starting university I’d enjoyed kayaking as a hobby for many years, so I joined the AU canoeing and kayaking club. Being part of the team gives me time to relax and enjoy sport with friends, still having that competitive fun but in more of a relaxed environment.
“I plan to use the scholarship support to attend competitions, both domestic and international, that will give me experience of competing at a senior level and hopefully help me reach my goal of representing Great Britain at a senior championship.
“My ultimate goal is to compete for Great Britain in the 2024 Paralympics. Having previously competed at a GB junior level, in the next year I would like to earn my first senior GB vest. I would also like to represent Wales at the next Commonwealth Games.”
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