Competing in BUCS offers university students an opportunity to take part in high-quality sport alongside their studies. Many who have got involved have used the opportunity to further their sporting ability, supported by their universities. The best of BUCS progress from lectures and seminars to the international stage, as is the case with these athletes. They have not only participated, but found a great deal of success. The BUCS Hall of Fame ‘recognises the achievements and contributions of athletes who have excelled in their careers.‘ The four following inductees for 2022 have certainly done that, having all partaken in BUCS during their studies.
David Florence
Canoe Slalom, University of Nottingham
Florence brought his spectacular sporting career to an end in May 2022, announcing his retirement after 23 years. He competed at three Olympic Games, earning silver in all three; individually at Beijing 2008, and partnered with Richard Hounslow at London 2012 and Rio 2016. The Olympian studied mathematical physics at Nottingham, but, according to The Times, chose the university given its proximity to the National Watersports Centre. During his five years of study, the two-time world champion won five BUCS gold medals.
Sophie Ingle
Football, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Above all, Ingle’s love for the beautiful game is abundantly clear. She was the only girl in her local team, Vale Wanderers, for whom she was unable to play for beyond the age of 12 due to a Welsh FA rule. Despite this, she continued to pursue her passion. She balanced her degree in Sports Development and Coaching with training, bringing a great deal of success to the Cardiff Met team. The side won both the Southern Premier Division during her time. The list of her achievements is long; highlights include captaining Wales, winning the Super League with Chelsea, and being nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award in 2020.
Lauren Steadman MBE
University of Portsmouth, Para Triathlon
Inspired to give try the sport from her triathlete Uncle, Steadman has gone on to earn success at the pinnacle of the sport. During her career, she has held the title of World Champion, as well as Paralympian Champion. This success has come in both para-triathlon and para-swimming. In the Paralympics, she improved on her silver medal at Rio to a gold at Tokyo. Steadman attended the University of Portsmouth, achieving a first in Psychology before adding a Master’s in Business and Management. She also represented her institution at the BUCS Swimming Championships.
Catriona Matthew OBE
Golf, University of Stirling
Matthew was the first female student to be awarded a sporting scholarship from the University of Stirling, and has certainly enjoyed a successful golfing career, spanning more than 27 years and counting. The highlights of her career including winning a major championship, the Women’s British Open, in 2009. She competed for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympics, as well as representing Europe at nine Solheim Cups, including two victories as captain. Matthew has received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, after first graduating in 1992 with a degree in accountancy.
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