4 July 2012
Dundee trio set for London 2012
Sports Scholar of the Year Eilish McColgan will head up the University of Dundee's delegation at London 2012 later this month.
The 21-year-old maths and accountancy student secured her place in the Great Britain Olympic team following her victory in the 3000m steeplechase at the UK Athletics Championships in Birmingham last month.
Although she is the only athlete from the University to be representing her country at the games, medical students Hannah Lawrie and
Kenny Duffy will also be playing their part in London. Hannah will be scoring at the Paralympic Sittting Volleyball tournament, while Kenny will be helping to keep the world's finest athletes at the top of their game in his role as physiotherapist.
Hannah, who is in the first year of her degree, is a member of the University's Volleyball Club, and regularly acts as scorer during varsity fixtures. The 18 year-old, originally from Troon, has attended a number of training workshops in England to ensure she is fully prepared for the event and was scorer at the recent international match between the British men's team and their Belgian counterparts in Edinburgh.
Kenny (29) qualified as a physiotherapist before returning to University to embark upon a medical degree two years ago. He was head coach of the University's Trampoline Club for 2011/12, and also runs twice weekly clinics for Dundee University Sport athletes.
A native Dundonian, he has worked as a physio with Scottish national junior squads in trampoline, gymnastics and women's football in the past. He will be based at Wembley Stadium during London 2012.
Paul McPate, Assistant Director of the University's Institute for Sport and Exercise (ISE), said, "Having Dundee University representation at both the London Olympics and Paralympics is just reward for the hard work that Eilish, Kenny and Hannah have invested in their respective areas.
"The recent competitive successes of Dundee University Sport are founded on the dedication and investment of hundreds of student volunteers as well as the sporting talent of the athletes themselves and the University's presence at London 2012 demonstrates the wide range of talents present in the University's sports clubs."
In the past year, Eilish has set a new Scottish record for the 3000m steeplechase, an under-23 UK record, and won gold in the 1500m and 3000m at the Scottish Universities Championships. The Carnoustie girl is one of a number of athletes who have won Dundee University Sport Scholarships.
The scholarship is designed to help students to develop and compete at the highest level possible whilst studying for a degree, enhancing the commitment to sporting excellence typified by Dundee University Sport, a partnership between ISE and Dundee University Sports Union.
The two organisations joined forces to maximise the strengths of each partner in enhancing the provision of sport for students and staff.
More than 2000 students are matriculated in the Sports Union, which represents some 51 member and associate clubs, ranging from archery to volleyball. Several University teams have enjoyed success at a national level in recent years, and many sportsmen and women from the University have gone on to represent their country and achieve individual glory in their chosen field.
The leading-edge facilities and expertise available has seen ISE designated as an accredited training venue for both the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games.
After a £4million extension in 2007, ISE can boast the most extensive range of sport and exercise facilities in Tayside, including several fitness studios, specialist facilities for a range of sports, and a regional strength performance centre (SPC).
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University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
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