Seven sporting stars go for gold in Glasgow

22 Gorffennaf 2014

Seven Cardiff University students have been selected to represent 'Team Wales' at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (23 July to 3 August).

All are members of the University's 'High Performance Programme' (HPP) which this year supported a record 75 students across 30 sports.

The seven are 4 x 100 metre relay runner Hannah Thomas, in her third year studying English literature; judo players Jamie MacDonald (third year, Business Information Systems) and Natalie Powell (third year, Biomedical Science); pistol shooter and engineering first year student Coral Kennerley; hockey player Daniel Kyriakides, first year, Marine Geography; pole vaulter Sally Peake, studying for an MSc in Sport & Exercise Physiotherapy, and triathlete Carol Bridge, a third year student in Adult Nursing.

Paul Jones, Performance Sport Officer for Cardiff University Sport, said: "We are really proud of the achievements of our athletes. No Cardiff students were involved in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Four years on, we have seven current students selected to represent Wales – a record number for the University.

"This shows how Cardiff University Sport's investment in the High Performance Programme has created an environment in which student athletes can develop and excel whilst in Higher Education. Balancing the life of a student at a Russell Group University with that of an aspiring elite athlete is far from easy and they have made many sacrifices along the way. We wish them all the best of luck in Glasgow."

The HPP aims to provide structured support to individuals enabling them to excel in both their academic and sporting careers whilst raising the profile and standard of sport at Cardiff University.

Since it's rebranding in 2010-11 the programme has developed a strong network of support services and access to newly developed facilities for its members which together provide an excellent training environment as those involved continue to study towards an academic degree at the University.

The selected athletes' profiles are listed below. The standard and diversity of the group is a reflection of how the structure of Sport at the University is helping young athletes to successfully make the transition from Junior to Senior competitions.