Blues and Colours Award Winners 2024

This award recognises the most outstanding Colour of the year, for services and dedication to sport and sports club over their time at university.

Angus MacLeod - Badminton Club

Angus is a 6^th year Medicine Student and has been a Badminton Club member throughout his studies, serving on the committee for 5 years, and on the SU executive committee for 3 years. Over the past six years, Angus has supported the day-to-day club operations, consistently leading recreational sessions and open training. He played a significant role in adapting to changing regulations during COVID-19, allowing 170 students to play Badminton safely. As President, Angus led the club to their highest membership on record, with over 300 Badminton Club members in 2021/22. As social sec, he organised the club's largest charity event, raising £2,000 for CALM, and created the first Badminton Ball and Ceilidh.

Marcin Andraka – Volleyball Club

Marcin is 4th year student in the School of Physics and Astronomy, and Volleyball Club Referee Secretary 2023/24. He manages the club refereeing squad, overseeing referee allocations, training, and equipment management for all seven teams. Marcin is a Grade 3 Scottish Volleyball referee, referring over 20 times this year in various leagues and tournaments, including high-profile events like the 2024 Scottish Student Sport Volleyball semi-finals and finals. Marcin also dedicates time to developing and upskilling student officials, and organised four referee training courses with Scottish Volleyball this season, as well as training new referees, scorers, and line judges.

Elizabeth Muse – Handball

Elizabeth is a 3^rd year Archaeology student, and 2023/24 Handball Club President and Coach. Elizabeth dedicates 7-8 hours a week to training sessions and matches. Under her leadership, the Men's team finished 1st in the SSS league and 5th at the BUCS Championships, while the Women's team finished 5th in the SSS league and 7th in the BUCS Trophy. She promotes confidence and innovation, introducing individual shooting and skill sessions to cater to all abilities. She also actively volunteers at Taster sessions, International Sports Club sessions, and Give-it-a-go sessions to attract new members and increase participation opportunities to try Handball.  

Mat Trodden – Swimming

Mat has over 15 years of coaching experience, training swimmers from youth level to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Mat was selected as part of the GB coaching team for the 2023 U23 European Championships. Under his guidance, his athletes have broken 10 national records, and won 8 British Championship medals, 4 World Championship medals and 2 European Championship medals this year. Mat has been instrumental in gaining international recognition for the University of Edinburgh swim team over the last decade, and his work has significantly contributed to the success and reputation of the esteemed Edinburgh Performance Swimming Programme.

Awarded for longstanding service to university sport.

Cara Nicholson - Sub Aqua Club

Cara joined the club as a student as a beginner diver in 2014, and over the last 10 years, has supported the club's growth, operations and inclusivity. Her tireless efforts since have not only enriched the club but have also left an indelible mark on the diving community across Scotland. As an Advanced Instructor, Cara has imparted her knowledge and expertise to over 300 divers, ranging from beginners to instructor level. Her guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping the development of aspiring instructors and club leaders. Cara is an important role model for all Sub Aqua Club members and divers across Scotland, making her a deserving recipient of the Alan Chainey Award. 

Awarded for the Most Inspirational Sporting Performance of the Year.

Megan Keith – European U23 Cross Country Championship Performance  

This year Megan became the European U23 Cross Country Champion, winning the event with a margin of 1 minute 23 seconds, the greatest winning margin in the events history across all age groups, both male and female. Megan's performance was all the more impressive as she led the race from start to finish, showcasing her dominance and endurance. This achievement played a key role in Team GBR's most successful European Cross Country Championships, inspiring a new generation of athletes through her extraordinary talent and sportsmanship. 

Awarded for outstanding sporting performance whilst at University.

Ciara Schlosshan - Swimming 

Ciara is a 3^rd year student in the School of Social and Political Science, and multiple British swimming Championship Finalist. She has been a consistent medallist in BUCS Swimming Championships, securing silver in the 200m Butterfly in 2021, 2022, and 2024, silver in the women's medley relay, and has been a key member of medal-winning women's and mixed medley and freestyle relay teams from 2021 to 2024.