St Mary's Sends Record 22 Athletes to Rio 2016

St Mary’s University, Twickenham has seen a record number of students, alumni and athletes selected for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The University has a proud history of sporting success and is home to the Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC), which counts Mo Farah amongst its alumni. This year St Mary’s will see 22 athletes attend both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, topping the record 18 selected for London 2012, where the University ranked sixth, and first in London, in Podium’s league table for universities. Athletes selected for Rio 2016 from St Mary’s will contest a variety of sports, including Track and Field, Rowing, Boxing, Fencing, Cycling and Rugby 7s. Amongst the stars attending the games are 5000m and 10000m runner Mo Farah, 1500m runner Charlie Grice, 5000m runner Steph Twell, rower Moe Sbihi, light-heavyweight boxer Joshua Buatsi, and T33 wheelchair racer and four time European record holder Toby Gold. Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s Francis Campbell said, “Congratulations to all of our Students, Athletes and Alumni competing at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are proud to be a home to so many exceptionally talented people. I am sure their performances in the coming weeks will be a source of inspiration for our students in the years to come.” Director of Sport St Mary’s Andrew Reid-Smith said, “For all of the athletes being selected to represent their country at an Olympic or Paralympic Games will be very special. This reflects not only their talent but also years of dedication and hard work. Competing in the Games will change their lives for ever, we wish them every success.” As part of St Mary’s contribution to the London Games the University supported athletes from ten different nations, and provided Pre Games Training Camps for China, South Africa, Japan and Ireland. Lord Coe, the chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and President of the IAAF, opened St Mary’s sports facilities, and these continue to provide a sporting legacy for students, staff and local community alike