Olympic Alumna addresses Sports Scholars

World, Commonwealth, European and Olympic medallist, Anyika Onuora recently returned to Liverpool John Moores University to talk to sports scholars, sport interns and staff from student sport societies about her experiences as an LJMU Sports Scholar. The Great British 400m sprinter, who gained a Bronze Medal in Rio 2016, was previously part of the LJMU Sports Scholarship Scheme while she completed her Economics degree, graduating in 2008.

The LJMU Sports Scholarship Scheme has supported many Olympic and Commonwealth Champions and allows student scholars access to leading sports science expertise. The LJMU School of Sport and Exercise Sciences was ranked the top institution in the UK for Research Quality in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2014*.

Sports Scholars receive specialist guidance to enhance their sporting performance including fitness tests and profiling, strength and conditioning programmes, nutritional advice and sport psychology. This is alongside a mentor and extra study support so that they can balance training, competing and studying.

Anyika Onuora commented:

“I loved everything about LJMU and everything they did to help me balance studying and training. The support of the tutors and the sport scientists definitely helped to develop my elite sport career while giving me future options. The strength and conditioning side of the Sports Scholarship and mentorship was also fantastic.

“LJMU and the Sports Scholarship Scheme has helped me become the athlete and the person I am today.”

Dr Edward Harcourt, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), who welcomed Anyika back to the University at the event said:

“Liverpool is a great city for sport and LJMU can offer elite athletes, who also want to study any subject, access to the top UK institution for Research Quality in Sport and Exercise Sciences*. The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has been at the forefront of innovation and development in sport science for over 40 years and the Sports Scholarship Scheme has been a key part of elite athlete support for over 12 years. We’re so proud of the many successes our sports scholars have achieved.”

David McDermott, Sport Scholar Manager said:

“It’s great that here at LJMU we can foster real young sporting talent, and Anyika is a brilliant example of a graduate who has benefited from the LJMU Sports Scholarship Scheme. We have many world and professional, elite and Olympic athletes come to our academics for guidance. Combining academic studies with an elite sports career can be hard, but with careful planning and strong relationships with their course tutors and sporting organisations, alongside sport science research, many athletes have achieved successful sporting and academic careers.”

Our Sport Scholarship Scheme has supported Olympic and Commonwealth Champions. Find out how we can take your performance to the next level.

* Research Quality Index data provided by Research Professional and available via Research Fortnight.