Three University of Stirling triathlete scholars have been selected to compete at the World University Championships in Switzerland.
Mathematics student Grant Sheldon, Environmental Management Masters student Douglas Roberts, and Sports Coaching student Natalie Milne each won a sought-after spot to represent Team GB at the renowned biannual international meet.
In its 53rd year, the World University Championships are organised by the International University Sports Federation and allow elite student sportsmen and women to pit their skills against the best in the world.
33 countries will be represented at the 13th World University Triathlon Championship on Sunday, 7 August in Nyon, Switzerland, including three triathletes from Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence who are coached by Blair Cartmell and Gordon Crawford of triathlonscotland.
Fiona Lothian, Head of Performance at triathlonscotland, said: “For three athletes to have been selected from the University of Stirling for the World University Championships is testimony to the hard work that the athletes and their coaches have put in over the winter, and it is great for this to have been recognised.
“Being based at the Triathlon Scotland High Performance Centre on campus enables them to access a hugely positive, varied and challenging training environment, while combining flexibility with academic studies.
“The support provided by Winning Students and Stirling University International scholarships has been invaluable in supporting the athletes to get to this level, and I am sure they will all take the opportunity to step up and deliver their best result on the day.”
Cathy Gallagher, Director of Sport at the University, said: “The World University Championships bring together the very best student athletes in the world and is a fantastic platform and challenge for elite student sport stars.
“As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we are committed to helping talented individuals fulfil their potential in and out of the lecture theatre. These championships will provide a new test and unique experience for Grant, Douglas and Natalie who are all exceptional ambassadors for the University. Now, they have the chance to do their country proud too when they represent Team GB.
“Stirling triathletes continue to thrive under the stewardship of triathlonscotland coaches and we are working together to provide the best High Performance environment for the students. I would like to thank everyone who has supported the students in reaching this level of competition.”
The athletes are part of the University of Stirling triathlon and Winning Students scholarship programmes, which support current international and developing student athletes. Find out more about the scholarships here.
Notes for editors
- Background information
Media enquiries to Corrie Campbell, Communications Officer on 01786 466 169 or c.r.campbell@stir.ac.uk.
Notes for editors:
Find out more about the University of Stirling triathlon scholarship programme here.