Rio 2016 Olympic Games
We’ve loved the recent Olympic Games in Rio and have been so proud of Team GB on their performances and outstanding medal haul. We were cheering extra loudly for our Brunel alumni who were competing in this legendary event, including: Kate Richardson-Walsh (BSc Sports Science) - Field Hockey; Jon Schofield (MSc Physiology and Biomechanics) - Canoe Sprint (Men's K2 200m); Shelayna Oskan-Clarke (BSc Sports Science) - Athletics 800m; and Emily Scott (Sport Sciences) - Women’s Rugby Sevens.
Kate, who was awarded an MBE for services to hockey in 2014, has a long list of sporting success stories, including leading Team GB’s women’s hockey team to Olympic bronze glory at the London 2012 Games. Once again, Kate guided the team to Olympic success, receiving the gold medal at this year Games, being crowned Olympic Champions after a nail biting penalty shoot-out final against the Netherlands.
The Rio Games aren’t Jon’s first taste of Olympic success having won a bronze medal in the London 2012 Games. After an impressive 32.36s Final’s performance in Rio, Jon, along with his teammate Liam Heath, secured a silver medal in the Men's Kayak Double 200m - another Olympic title for Jon to add to his list of fantastic sporting achievements.
Shelayna made her Olympic Games debut this summer, having achieved an impressive 5th place in the 800m at last years Beijing World Championships. Shelayna showcased impressive form in Rio, making it to the Olympic semi-finals to run 1:59.45 in her heat.
Named as one of the first ever rugby women professionals in this country in 2014, Emily also made her Olympic debut this summer, scoring two tries and two conversions in the historic event in Rio. The team showcased impressive performances throughout, making it to the bronze medal match where they took on the Canadian team to achieve an inspiring fourth place.
Our academics have also been flexing their (media) muscles, appearing across Olympics news coverage and leading discussions about the greatest sporting show on earth.
Congratulations to all - what an amazing, and truly inspiring, Olympic Games it’s been! Here’s to Tokyo 2020!