Commonwealth silver for Pole Vault star

Physiotherapy student Sally Peake is celebrating securing a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

Her performance of 4.25m in the Pole Vault ensured a second place finish behind defending champion Alana Boyd.

Sally was one of eight students from our High Performance Programme (HPP) taking part at Glasgow 2014. The HPP provides support to students enabling them to excel in both their academic and sporting careers.

Sally's was not the only Cardiff University success of the Games. Biosciences student Natalie Powell won Wales's first ever Judo gold medal. English Literature graduate Hannah Thomas was part of a team who broke the Welsh national record in the 4 x 100m relay final.

Paul Jones, Performance Sport Officer for Cardiff University Sport, said:

"Sally rounded off the Athletics in style as she won a medal in terrible conditions for Pole Vault. This was the least she deserved after working so hard in recent years and splitting her time between training in Cardiff and Arizona.

"All eight students who competed at Glasgow 2014 deserve credit for the sacrifices they make, and maturity they show in managing to achieve both academically and within their sport."

Other highlights include the Air Pistol and Men's Hockey competition. First year Engineering student Coral Kennerley finished in sixth place in the 10M Air Pistol competition. Earth & Ocean Sciences student Dan Kyriakides scored a goal against the Australian Hockey team, who went on to win the Gold medal.

Three other Cardiff students were part of Team Wales: Carol Bridge (Triathlon); Jamie MacDonald (Judo) and Sophie Clayton (Ladies Hockey).

The School of Healthcare Sciences played an important role behind the scenes for Team Wales. Dr Nicola Phillips was the Deputy Chef de Mission, and Trevor Baker provided technical support. 11 of the 13 physiotherapy staff were either current postgraduate students or alumni of the School. The School was recently ranked top in the UK for physiotherapy.

Dr Nicola Phillips, Reader in the School of Healthcare Sciences said:

"Being part of such a successful Welsh team was very special. As a member of Cardiff University staff I was particularly proud to see our students and alumni doing so well. Being part of the School of Healthcare Sciences, I was particularly proud of Sally Peake's silver medal.

"For these students to be so successful in their sport, whilst still completing their studies on demanding academic programmes is truly outstanding and is testament to their determination, commitment and time management skills."

This year the HPP supported a record 75 students competing across 30 sports. The HPP provides a network of strong support services with access to the latest training facilities.