University of Stirling’s roster of Olympic and Paralympic athletes were recognised at a special reception evening held on campus yesterday evening, Tuesday 29 November.
Staff, students, supporters and University partners gathered to celebrate Stirling’s high performance athletes, current students, alumni, honorary graduates and coaching staff who participated in the 2016 Games.
Hosted by Stirling alumna and BBC broadcaster Rhona McLeod, the event saw Stirling Olympic medallists Duncan Scott and Robbie Renwick give an insight into their Olympic experience alongside high performance swimming teammates Craig Benson and Ross Murdoch, and Head Coach Ben Higson.
Cathy Gallagher, Director of Sport at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, said: “It’s been an incredible year for sport, particularly at Stirling. We wanted to take this opportunity to show our pride in each of the University of Stirling athletes who competed in Rio and look back on what has been a milestone year.
“It was fantastic that so many people across our community had the chance to be part of an Olympic Games. The attributes of self-belief and dedication that our athletes possess are ones that we aim to instil in all of our students, no matter what challenge they have set themselves, and the recognition they receive is well deserved.”
New Stirling athlete and fellow Olympic swimmer Dan Wallace also joined the celebrations, alongside former tennis scholar and Stirling alumnus Colin Fleming, who played in the men’s doubles in Rio.
Stirling was also represented in the Paralympics by double medallist, former student and wheelchair tennis scholar, Gordon Reid, while alumni Charlotte Henshaw and Scott McCowan competed in Paralympic swimming and boccia respectively. Charlotte took a bronze medal in Rio and Honorary Graduate Andy Murray also secured another gold medal, equally his success in London.
Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence was Scotland’s top performing University in Rio.
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Media enquiries to Corrie Campbell, Communications Officer on 01786 466169 or c.r.campbell@stir.ac.uk