University swimmers going for gold at world championships

Six University of Stirling swimmers will be going for gold at the World Aquatics Championships in Qatar.

Among those competing at the meet in Doha is Olympian Duncan Scott, who won gold and bronze in relay events and an individual silver at last year’s championships.

Lucy Hope, who took home a relay bronze from last year’s meet in Japan, will also be travelling to Qatar along with fellow Team GB athletes Kathleen Dawson and Jack McMillan.

University of Stirling swimmers Paige Van Der Westhuizen and Vicky Russell will compete for Zimbabwe and Bahamas respectively.

Two University of Stirling swimmers - Paralympic silver medallist Abby Kane, and Ollie Carter - will also be competing at the Citi Para Swimming World Series which is being held in Aberdeen between Thursday, 1st February and Sunday, 4th February.

The World Aquatics Championships in Doha begins on Friday, February 2nd, with the swimming events to be held from Sunday, February 11th to Sunday, February 18th.

Olympic preparation

David Bond, Head of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “To have so many University of Stirling athletes competing for accolades at the World Championships in Doha and the World Series in Aberdeen is a testament to their hard work, and the support and encouragement they receive from our coaches and staff.

“As well as opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best swimmers, the competition in Doha will provide a chance for the swimmers to continue to fine tune their preparations at the beginning of a busy Olympic year. We look forward to following their progress and supporting from afar.”

The University of Stirling was made Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence in 2008.

Since then, the University has further enhanced its sporting prowess by unveiling a £20 million Sports Centre, comprising a fitness suite, strength and conditioning suite, performance gym, exercise studios and a three-court sports hall.

The investment complements the existing National Swimming Academy, ensuring that the University of Stirling will remain the choice of elite athletes for years to come.