University of Edinburgh shine at BUCS Nationals 2026

In Athletics, three athletes reached the semi-finals of their respective events: Imogen Marshall (Women’s 1500m), Jamie Smith (Men’s 800m), and Robin Sneddon (Men’s 200m and 400m). Isabel Mansley progressed to the final of the Women’s 3000m, finishing an impressive fourth overall.

The Badminton team produced a series of strong performances. Singles players Eilidh McCallister, Madelyn Geng, along with four doubles pairs progressed through the qualification rounds into the main draw. Madelyn Geng (Women’s Singles), Sophie and Madelyn (Women’s Doubles) and Jun and Yin (Women’s Doubles) all reached the last 16, while Jun and Torben advanced to the quarter finals in the Mixed Doubles. Both Madelyn Geng and the pairing of Jun and Torben exceeded expectations, surpassing their initial seedings.

The Climbing team faced a demanding competition, completing 30 routes in a highly competitive field. Connie Rawlins secured a place in the finals, while the Women’s Team (Connie Rawlins, Ava Hamilton and Hope Henderson) achieved an excellent third-place finish, earning the bronze medal.

Fencers demonstrated technical excellence and precision, returning with two medals. Holly Thompson) claimed silver in the Women’s Foil, while Georgia Silk secured a join third-place finish.

In Karate, the university’s athletes delivered dominant performances across multiple categories. The Women’s Team earned bronze in the Team Kata and silver in Team Kumite. Individually, Brittany Yau secured silver in the Women’s Intermediate Kata, Ania Dabrowska won gold in the Women’s Novice Kumite (~57kg), and Jaz Thuku claimed bronze in ~63kg category. In the men’s events, Illia Nazarenko took bronze in Men’s Novice Kumite (~80kg), Adam Hamill won gold in Men’s Senior Kumite (~67kg), beating fellow athlete Daniel Lyons in the final, Joe Gallagher claimed gold in the ~75kg division. Overall, the Men’s Team secured gold in the Team Kumite.

The Performance Swimming Team delivered a standout weekend, setting multiple BUCS records, achieving national honours, and returning with an impressive medal haul. Faye Rogers led the way with record-breaking performances in the Para 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle and 200m Butterfly. Archie Goodburn made headlines by setting a new Scottish record in the 50m Breaststroke, while also recording the second-fastest British time in history, behind Adam Peaty. Ciara Schlosshan set a new BUCS record in the 200m Butterfly. Additional medals included silver in the 100m Butterfly for Brodie Gordon-Gibson and silver for Anna Morgan in both the 50m and 100m Breaststroke.