Stirling recognises its Commonwealth competitors

The University of Stirling’s Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games athletes were recognised at a special Welcome Back event on campus. (View the Commonwealth Welcome Back Event Gallery)

Twenty-two students and graduates competed at the Home Games, which are widely regarded as the most successful Commonwealth Games yet.

Many of those athletes returned to their studies this week and the Principal extended a warm welcome to them all in an event at the Sports Union’s annual Bazaar.

Athletes from Swimming, Triathlon, Cycling, Hockey and Squash took to the Commonwealth Medal Podium which has been added to the Commonwealth Games Scotland Archive following its role at the SSE Hydro.

Sports Studies student Cameron Brodie, who helped Team Scotland to a Swimming Silver medal in the 4x200m Freestyle Relay, spoke to the packed Sports Hall about his memories of competing in Glasgow.

“It really was brilliant. It seems sad to say it now, but it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I knew walking out in the final at Tollcross that is probably as good as it’s going to get.

“The University of Stirling is fantastic for swimmers. It’s a combination of world class training facilities, world-class coaching and world-class gym facilities as well. There is no excuse for not performing with the set-up here.”

Hockey international Alison Bell, who graduated in 2012 with a PhD in Sports Coaching, said: “There is always that nagging feeling that we could have beaten England and made the semi-finals, but on the whole I can still reflect on Glasgow as an amazing experience that I will never forget.

“There is so much to get involved in sport at Stirling. I was able to improve my hockey and improve my career prospects whilst studying here.”

Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “The sense of pride in the University during the Commonwealth Games as athlete after athlete performed at the highest level was palpable and I am delighted to be able to thank them today.

“To compete at the highest level in sport takes tremendous dedication and many sacrifices. I commend each and every one of our athletes and the many coaches and support staff who helped them along the way.”

Jon Doig, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “Glasgow 2014 was an event 12 years in the planning and throughout that period we have been based here at the University of Stirling, which has been the ideal environment with world-class sports facilities.

“We are extremely proud of the contribution University of Stirling students and staff made to Team Scotland, which delivered so much this summer and with the help of the University will continue to do so.”

Also at the Welcome Back event, the University Staff Charities Fund presented a cheque for £1000 to the ‘Put Children First’ Appeal, run by the UNICEF and the Commonwealth Games partnership.

View the Commonwealth Welcome Back Event Gallery.