Headlining the announcement is Olympic and World champion Adam Peaty, the world record holder named as one of 15 swimmers who will travel to the Gold Coast, Australia for the event which takes place between 5-14 April 2018.

Peaty won gold and silver at Glasgow 2014 and will look to do the double down under. Joining the breaststroker are a pair of Loughborough University students in Jocelyn Ulyett and Sarah Vasey.

Ulyett produced the shock of the British Championships earlier this year as she took the 200m breaststroke title, breaking the British record and beating a pair of Rio Olympians, one of whom, Molly Renshaw, has also made the team for Australia.

Vasey has enjoyed a stunning 2017, winning her first British title before making three World Championship finals in Budapest; the 50m and 100m breaststroke alongside the 4x100m medley relay.

Selected alongside Renshaw, who was sixth at those World Championships, is Luke Greenbank, who like Peaty and Vasey is coached by Loughborough University alumna and Coach of the Year Mel Marshall.

A further 17 swimmers will be added to the team after the England Winter Swim Championships, which are taking place in Sheffield between 13-17 December.

The five Loughborough swimmers named are:

Luke Greenbank – National Centre Loughborough
Adam Peaty – National Centre Loughborough
Molly Renshaw – National Centre Loughborough
Jocelyn Ulyett – Loughborough University
Sarah Vasey – National Centre Loughborough

Report courtesy of Loughborough University

In the final event of a very successful London 2017, Martyn Rooney did a sterling job on his customary final leg, ensuring the British team won 4x400m relay bronze. Handed the baton with work to do, the former Loughborough student ran a great leg, catching, but unable to pass the Trinidadian and American athletes who were out in front.

Having bowed out in the heats of the individual 400m, Rooney got his redemption: “I wish I was in the shape I was in last year because I think I could’ve gone past those guys down the home straight. But it’s still amazing to come away with a medal at our home World Championships. “I’m really proud to be part of this team.”

Just 15 minutes earlier it was a very similar story in the women’s 4x400m relay, alumna Emily Diamond running an outstanding anchor leg to bring the British quartet home for silver medals. Having run the last leg at Rio 2016 when the team won bronze, Diamond was delighted to upgrade that medal to silver, running a quick first 200m to put distance between herself and the chase pack. That was a smart move, as it forced her pursuers to over-commit, meaning the Sports & Exercise Science graduate was never threatened come the home straight.

“We didn’t expect to go to Rio and medal, so it was a new experience. But this year in front of a home crowd, we came in with different expectations. To do this in front of our home crowd is just amazing. We’re getting so much more confident; we noticed yesterday that on certain legs we were coming up on the Americans and we were closing the gap, so we just need to believe in ourselves more.”

In the men’s high jump final, former student Robbie Grabarz equalled current student Morgan Lake’s performance from the previous night as he finished sixth. Having won bronze in the same stadium in 2012, the British record holder wanted more, but eventually bowed out at 2.29m. In the women’s 800m Loughborough based Lynsey Sharp ran sub 1.59, a truly world class time, but had to settle for eighth.

On the penultimate night there was medal success for both British teams in the 4x100m relays, Loughborough based Asha Philip and Danny Talbot getting on the rostrum.

For Talbot, who has been part of the GB sprint relay team for six years, it hasn’t all been plain sailing, but it has all been worth it now he can call himself a world champion. Having looked good in the heats, the Brits stretched their check marks in the final and it paid off as they ran the third fastest time ever to take gold.

In the women’s equivalent no one could stop the American’s, but a strong opening leg from Asha Philip put the team on track for a medal, eventually winning silver [pictured above], one better than the bronze they won in Rio.

In total 19 Loughborough athletes were in action at the IAAF World Championships, including five current students. Amongst those first year psychology student Morgan Lake was the star, placing sixth in a tight women’s high jump final. Jess Judd and Meghan Beesley made the 1500m and 400mH semi-finals, whilst David Omoregie and Jess Turner made their World Championship debuts in the 110mH and 400mH respectively.

A month earlier at the World Para Athletics Championships, Loughborough linked athletes won nine medals, seven of them gold, thanks to outstanding performances from Jonnie Peacock, Sophie Hahn, Richard Whitehead, Stef Reid, Hollie Arnold, Olivia Breen, and Jonathan Broom-Edwards. Incredibly there were also three world records, two for Hahn and one for Arnold.

For more information on Loughborough’s success at London 2017 head to www.lboro.ac.uk/london2017

Report courtesy of Loughborough University

Alan Buzza (Photo: Loughborough University)

Buzza, who has been interim Director for the past three months, will move back into a full-time rugby role, having been Head of Performance Programmes for the last eight years. Prior to that, he was Director of Rugby, overseeing the men’s programme from 2001-2009.

The role has however grown significantly over the last few months, with the acquisition of a women’s Premier 15s franchise, which will play under the Loughborough Lightning brand. The elevation of the women’s programme at Loughborough will mean Loughborough Students Rugby Football Club (LSRFC) will finally have top level men’s and women’s programmes, something Buzza has been working towards for a long time.

Of his appointment, Buzza commented: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be stepping back into the club. We’ve got a vibrant and hugely talented group of staff coming together and compelling challenges to engage with on nearly all fronts.  The unique and thrilling element to our current position is the alignment and support of both our University leadership and the RFU. If we can meet and exceed their expectations then we will truly fly.”

Performance Director Richard Wheater added: “This is undoubtedly the most exciting time in LSRFC’s history. For the first time ever we are truly one team and there is a huge opportunity for the men’s and women’s sides of the club to come together and work collaboratively for the betterment of rugby at Loughborough University. In the past few months, since our Premier 15s franchise was confirmed, I have already seen a number of great examples of this and am genuinely excited for what the future holds, under Alan’s leadership.”

Buzza has a strong rugby background, having played for Wasps, toured Canada with England in 1993, and made several England A and England 7s appearances. He is also a winning Cambridge captain and a double blue in rugby and cricket. His coaching background includes two spells with Loughborough Students and coaching Rotherham in the Championship. He is also a Loughborough University graduate.

Report courtesy of Loughborough University

Kick-starting in September 2017, the new women’s top tier competition will significantly raise the standards of rugby domestically and help support the Red Roses’ ambition to be the number one team in the world. It is also expected to help grow participation and create new commercial partnerships to help underpin the competition.

Loughborough was chosen having hit or exceeded all of the minimum operating standards, which included professional coaching, sports science and medical provision as well as exceptional training and playing environments.

Already playing in the upper echelons of women’s university rugby, winning is part of the culture at Loughborough University, but of even more importance is athlete development. This new RFU initiative will allow the University to further improve the opportunities it can provide for its athletes, as it enters the competition for an initial three year period.

Head of Performance Programmes Alan Buzza commented: “We are over the moon to be part of Women’s Super Rugby. I truly believe that we now have the opportunity here at Loughborough to be one of, if not the best women’s player development centres in the world. That’s a phenomenally exciting position to be in.

“This creates a complete pathway from the Loughborough College AASE programme, through the Loughborough Ladies Championship side and our BUCS student teams. Women’s Super Rugby completes the programme, providing a springboard to international competition.

“The competition creates an environment for us to be able to deliver even more life shaping experiences for our players.”

RFU Director of Professional Rugby Nigel Melville said: “This is another significant development for women’s rugby in this country. Women’s Super Rugby will drive standards in the game, both domestically and at an elite level, and continue to encourage more women and girls to play the sport.

“I would like to congratulate the 10 clubs on their successful applications which have resulted in them being offered a place in the new competition. We now have the opportunity to build a world-class domestic competition, with the backing and funding of the RFU, demonstrating the union’s commitment to growing the game at all levels.”

The competition will receive a multi-million pound investment from the RFU over the next three years to help deliver the minimum standards expected and provide high-quality coaching, facilities, training environments and community engagement plans.

Further team information will be unveiled in due course.

Report courtesy of Loughborough University

Delivering her Tennis On The Road workshop alongside lead coach Kris Soutar, Judy put our student coaches through their paces, teaching them techniques to become more effective coaches no matter what age of player they’re delivering to. The day drew to a close by offering 80 lucky University students and staff the chance to ask Judy their burning questions, which was both insightful and entertaining.

This is the first time Tennis On The Road has been delivered south of the border, with Murray and Soutar having run the sessions in Scotland for the last two years. Mother to world number one’s Andy and Jamie and a world renowned coach in her own right, there was no doubt the day was both informative and inspiring for Loughborough’s growing cohort of tennis student-coaches.

Of the day Murray said: “What I really enjoy now is trying to share what I know with the workforce of the future. We need to be really stacked at grassroots level; that means really successful clubs, tennis in schools, lots of people playing – really healthy grassroots is actually in the workforce.

“Two years ago I started the Tennis On The Road programme, which we deliver in Scotland and this is our first visit down south and it’s been a great day. This is actually the perfect day for me – I love doing this kind of thing. I really, really enjoy sharing things with people who are really enthusiastic and that’s what everyone was today.”

Commenting on her experience Loughborough University student Zoe Jefferies added: “It’s been a fab day, having Judy down here working with us, no matter what our ability as a player or a coach. It’s been really inspiring to see her in action and to pick up some of her tips, and it gives us a lot of new skills that we can put to good use in the future.”

Report courtesy of Loughborough University Press Office

Following Andy’s victory at the ATP World Tour Final at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday night, securing his year-end number one status for the first time, mother Judy will head to Loughborough to inspire the next generation of British tennis players and coaches.

Having previously coached multiple grand slam winning sons Andy and Jamie Murray as well as a number of other international players, Judy is a huge figure within world tennis. More recently National Coach for Tennis Scotland and British Federation Cup Captain, Judy is internationally recognised for her coaching prowess and services to tennis.

The Tennis On The Road scheme that she founded will be delivered at a University in England for the first time next week, having toured Scotland over the last two years and is focused on developing the tennis workforce of the future.

Judy and her coaching team will give coaches, students, teachers and volunteers the tools needed to get kids active and develop tennis in their communities. This includes a special session aimed at Loughborough University’s student coaches, helping them to develop the skills they need to coach their peers and other adults.

A question and answer session will follow the two coaching sessions, and will also take place in the Loughborough Sport Tennis Centre, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. Tickets for this once in a lifetime opportunity are available to Loughborough University staff and students on a first come first served basis. Students can access tickets via the Coaching & Volunteering Academy Portal, whilst staff should email H.Reesby@lboro.ac.uk

Report courtesy of Loughborough University

Further information about Tennis On The Road can be found here.

The Loughborough based duo composed themselves after home favourite Terezhina Guilhermina was disqualified for a false start. This didn’t disrupt the rhythm of the British duo though, as blasted out of the blocks and led as they hit the home straight. The Chinese pairs applied pressure to the duo early on but Clegg and Clarke looked serene over the final 100m as they captured their second title of the week, in a Paralympic record of 24.51 just 0.07 seconds outside their own world record.

Clegg commented post-medal ceremony: “It is a dream come true; I am absolutely over the moon. The 200m is actually my better event and I love it, so I’m so happy that we took the gold in this one.”

Clarke who has overcome illness is the last couple of days added: “I’d call it man flu – I did feel awful. I was going into the call room yesterday thinking ‘I just want to cry right now.’ But it’s been an absolute adventure to have been involved in and I’m so grateful to Libby for letting me be a part of it.”

ParalympicsGB women’s wheelchair basketball team are guaranteed their best-ever result at a Paralympic Games after reaching the semi-finals in Rio.

After ranking second in the pool stages, the women took on China in Tuesday’s quarter-final at the Rio Olympic Arena, with a match against either USA or Brazil in the semi-finals up for grabs.

And they duly delivered, outscoring their opponents in every quarter apart from the last to record a 57-38 victory and ensure they will contest a Paralympic medal match for the first ever time.

Current Loughborough University student Amy Conroy contributed 16 points to the team’s tally, with graduate Laurie Williams also a standout player. Jude Hamer and Clare Griffiths were also in action contributing to the team’s dominant performance, which sparked celebrations at the final hooter.

Report courtesy of Loughborough University

Fourth fastest in the world this year, Halsall won her heat with ease in 24.26 to qualify second fastest for the semi-finals. Drawn in the first of two races, she asserted her authority on the race, and despite being fractionally slower than her earlier swim, the James Gibson coached swimmer took victory to secure her final berth.

“It was nice to win my semi-final and it means I have earnt myself the right to compete for a medal. That was what it was all about going through the rounds and making sure I have got a lane in the final.

“I have done that and fourth fastest is kind of the perfect place to be. One of the blue lanes is a little bit less stressful than the yellow ones in the middle so that is really nice. I couldn’t have asked for a better swim. I got in, won my race, so I am racing well. This morning felt really easy so if I can put the two together tomorrow I will be there or thereabouts I think.”

Having finished fourth in London 2012, Halsall will be desperate to go at least one better in the final at 02.03 BST on Sunday morning.

First year geography student Tim Shuttleworth put in a brave swim in the men’s 1500m, the longest event in the pool. Finishing in eighth in one of the fastest heats, the 19 year old didn’t qualify for the final, but will have drawn a lot from the experience having never expected to be in Rio.

Arriving in Loughborough as an unknown quantity, Shuttleworth has taken almost a minute off his personal best in the space of nine months, and will be excited for the future, knowing he will have finished his degree and be at peak age by the time Tokyo 2020 comes around.

Adam Peaty continued where he left off on Sunday night (where he won the Olympic 100m breaststroke title) to help power Team GB into the 4x100m medley relay final. Swimming his favoured breaststroke leg, Peaty moved the team way clear of the field to put the result beyond doubt. Post-race Peaty said:

“Definitely my swim was very relaxed; I wasn’t really pushing that first 50m or last 50m so it was a bit reserved, but hopefully tomorrow that will drop down quite a bit. It is the fastest relay breaststroke split I have done and there is a lot more to come tomorrow night.”

Georgia Davies was another Loughborough swimmer in relay action, lining up in the women’s equivalent. The backstroker, who just missed out on a spot in her individual final, put in a solid swim to ensure the team will line up in the final with an outside chance of a medal.

“I can’t wait! We cut it quite fine there but for me personally I have never been in an Olympic final so to be part of the relay, which is even more fun than an individual, I am really excited.”

Both Peaty and Davies will go for glory, as part of their respective 4x100m teams, on Saturday evening.

There was huge disappointment for the British men’s hockey team as they failed to advance to the quarter-finals. Current student Ian Sloan was one of five Loughborough men in that squad, alongside captain Barry Middleton, David Condon, Mark Gleghorne and Henry Weir.

In their final must win group game against Spain, they couldn’t get the win they needed, drawing 1-1, which then meant New Zealand had to suffer defeat in their final game, which they didn’t.

Having performed well in the build up to the Olympics the team will be bitterly disappointed not to progress, and afterwards Middleton said:

“It went sort of too plan in terms of the performance. We moved the ball well, worked them hard and created chances but things didn’t quite fall for us and we didn’t have the luck. The corner we scored wasn’t given and it didn’t go for us. Sometimes those things go for you and sometimes they don’t. You have to keep getting in the positions and the luck brings itself.

“Afterwards we needed some luck from somewhere else. Results had to come but we shouldn’t have been relying on other teams.”

Like Team GB, Ireland finished fifth in their group after a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Argentina, so they do not advance to the quarter-finals. Loughborough alumni John Jackson and Paul Gleghorne, along with the whole Irish squad, can be extremely proud of their achievements however, becoming the first Irish hockey team to qualify for the Olympics in over a century.

Loughborough University alumna Beth Potter lined up in the first athletics final of Rio 2016, the women’s 10,000m. Run at a blistering pace from the gun, this is a race Potter will never forget, as Ethiopian Almaz Ayana smashed the world record with a 29.17.45 run. Potter, a physics graduate, was a bit disappointed with her 34th place finish in 33.04, but reflected:

“I’ve had a really good season this year and had a really big breakthrough so you can’t do well in all your races but I am glad to be here; I made it to an Olympics.

“It was amazing out there – I’ve just learnt to race better and enjoy the experience.”

Loughborough based Asha Philip made light work of qualification for the women’s 100m semi-finals, finishing third in 11.34. It wasn’t quite as easy for hammer thrower Sophie Hitchon however, who took the 11th of 12 qualifying spots for the final with a throw of 70.37m, but she is known for producing the goods in championship finals, when it really matters.

There was big disappointment for former Loughborough student Martyn Rooney as he finished fifth in his 400m heat and failed to advance. With his sights set on a place in the final, he’ll now have to go away, regroup, and focus all of his energy on trying to win a medal in the men’s 4x400m relay.

“It was awful, it’s just embarrassing. I feel like I’m in great shape, I’m in a hell of a lot better shape than I was this time last year but maybe I was just too blasé and that’s something you can’t do at an Olympic Games.

“I’ll have to make up for it in the relay, for my country, my family and myself. I’ll have to sort it out as I feel amazing and in incredible shape. If there’s an opportunity to do it against the best then I’ll be there hopefully.”

Nanna Vainio’s debut Olympics have come to an end as she lost out to her Danish rival Line Kjærsfeldt in her final badminton group match. The Finnish Loughborough University graduate was delighted to qualify for Rio and will be buoyed by her experiences.

The full story can also be seen online, including a video with Fran Halsall, by clicking here

Report courtesy of Loughborough University

1,600 athletes from across the UK will compete across 12 sports, seven of which include disability disciplines, at the four-day spectacular which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.

The event, that aims to replicate the experience of a major sporting event like an Olympic or Paralympic Games, will have spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, an athletes’ village and a full education programme that gives the competing athletes a unique insight into the world of elite sport.

The Games have provided a springboard for many of today’s biggest names in sport. Previous competitors include Paralympic gold medallists Ellie Simmonds, Hannah Cockroft and Jonnie Peacock along with GB sprinter Adam Gemili, heptathlete Katrina Johnson-Thompson, and Olympic gymnast Sam Oldham. Peacock, Gemili and Oldham have all now chosen Loughborough University as their training base.

Loughborough University will host 11 of the sports at the 2016 School Games as well as providing an Olympic style athletes’ village, which will give competitors a real flavour of a major multi-sport event.

The confirmed sports and ceremonies that will take place at the 2016 School Games are as follows:

Alongside the 1,600 elite young athletes at the event this year, there will be over 400 volunteers supporting the venues, many of which will be young people. There will also be a young media team covering all aspects of the games and a Talent Inspiration Programme which aims to engage young people who have ambitions of competing at the event in the future. 

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: “The 2016 School Games finals are a fantastic event that gives young sporting talent from across the UK the chance to compete on a major stage, giving them invaluable experience for the future. On top of that the Games also promote volunteering with hundreds of young people due to be involved to help support the hosting of the finals in Loughborough. I am sure it will be a fantastic four days of competition.”

Ali Oliver, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, added: “It is extremely exciting to bring the 2016 School Games to Loughborough which is set to be a spectacular experience for the 1,600 athletes and will showcase the breadth of young sporting talent we have in the UK. Loughborough University has such a strong history and reputation for research, PE teacher education, post and under graduate study and will provide the perfect setting for the Games.”

Sport England’s Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said: “Loughborough University is a fantastic venue to host this year’s School Games final. Steeped in sporting history, its impressive facilities will make this year’s the games the best ever. While it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of British youth talent, it’s important to remind all athletes, that win, lose or draw,  when it comes to being active what matters most is that you are trying your best while having some fun too.”

John Steele, Executive Director of Sport at Loughborough University, added: “We are delighted to welcome the best young sporting talent in the UK to Loughborough in September. Given our proud history of sporting excellence we are confident that we will put on the best School Games to date, which will not only be an amazing experience for all involved, but also prepare Olympic and Paralympic athletes of the future.”

The School Games is set across four levels with the Loughborough event providing the national platform of sporting competition. Across the year young people compete in a range of sport at class-v-class, school-v-school and in county-wide sport festivals as part of the Games.

Tickets for the 2016 School Games are now on sale for all twelve sports. To book tickets visit here or the 2016 School Games website here.

Report courtesy of Loughborough University.

Amongst the 12 strong men’s and women’s squads are three Loughborough alumni, with current student Meg Jones also named as a travelling reserve. The number of Paralympian’s is still to be finalised, with selections continuing over the coming weeks, however it is now confirmed that 38 current or former Loughborough students are going to the Olympic Games. Add in Loughborough University based athletes and the total number is 53.

In Team GB men’s Rugby 7’s news, Alex Davis and Phil Burgess have both been rewarded with places in the squad for Rio, whilst on the women’s side fellow alumna Claire Allan (pictured above evading a tackle) gets the nod.

The trio will make history as the first ever Loughborough Rugby Olympians, as Rugby 7s is making its Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro.

Of the announcement Loughborough’s Director of Rugby Dave Morris commented: “The inclusion of Alex and Phil in the final Team GB men’s sevens squad is a very special moment for the club. They are two excellent young men who gave everything in a Loughborough shirt and left a lasting impression.

“I know everyone in the Loughborough family who had the pleasure of playing with, working with, or supporting them during their time at Loughborough would want to say: ‘AJ and Burg, we are incredibly proud of you both and we are all behind you in your journey to win gold in Rio.

“With alumna Claire Allan making the women’s squad and current student Meg Jones named as a traveling reserve, it is fantastic for the rugby family at Loughborough and I firmly believe that they, along with Alex and Phil, will inspire many more Loughborough students to be future rugby sevens Olympians.”

Additionally, alumna Angela Hannah has been rewarded with a last minute spot on Team GB in the K2 Kayak Sprint. Competing alongside Lani Belcher, the duo finished third at the European qualifying event in Germany in May, which wasn’t enough to fulfil their Rio dream.  However after a number of positive drugs tests, Romania have been disqualified, meaning the duo have rightfully earned their spot.

Of the news Hannah said: “We’re amazed really. It all came about at the last minute, and we only learned it could be happening on Saturday. It’s cutting it fine but I am super excited. I really hope they ensure it is clean in Rio but we just need to keep building in our boat and make sure we go fast ourselves.

“I think we’ll be more relaxed just because we are there. We really want to make the final and then we’ll just have to see what happens on the day.”

Report courtesy of Loughborough University