The annual University of Edinburgh Sport Stars lunch welcoming new and returning athletes to the 2024 performance programme took place on Wednesday 11th September. Bringing together performance athletes, performance coaches, support staff from University Sport & Exercise and Edinburgh University Sports Union as well as guests from the University and partner National Governing Bodies the lunch celebrates the achievements of the past year of our student athletes. The highlight of the event was an inspirational Q&A session with athletes and coaches. Fresh from the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, Megan Keith, Aleksandra Kalucka and Stephen Clegg spoke about their experience performing at the highest level and their journey to reach Olympic qualification whilst balancing academic careers. 4th Year Applied Sport Science student Megan Keith spoke about her pride in qualifying for the Olympics in May and going on to win a bronze medal at the European Athletics Championships in June before competing in Paris. She touched on the support she receives from the programme through training and academic support which allows her to compete at the highest level whilst completing her degree. Aleksandra Kalucka joins the Sport Scholar Programme as a Postgraduate Mathematics student and reflected on her experience winning a Bronze Olympic medal and her decision to come to Edinburgh. After competing at 2022 IFSC Climbing World Cup held in Edinburgh Aleksandra fell in love with city and chose to take on a new challenge studying at the University following her Olympic success. Associated athlete Stephen Clegg finished his Paralympic campaign at the end of August claiming 2 Gold Medals in swimming. He spoke on losing his love of the sport following the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the support he received from the Edinburgh University performance swimming programme in renewing his love of swimming. Joined by coach Mat Trodden, they discussed how experimenting with training plans, keeping sessions enjoyable and developing strong collaborative coaching relationships has aided Stephen's success and his excitement for the future. PhD Biological Sciences student Fiona Bunn also spoke to guest on her recent success in orienteering. Fiona recently competed at the World University Orienteering Championships winning Gold in the mixed relay team and placing 6th in her individual races. She was also selected to competed at the European and World Orienteering Championships and won gold at BUCS last season. Looking at the year ahead we are exciting to be supporting our talented athletes in what looks to be another exciting year for sport at Edinburgh. This article was published on 2024-09-13
