UEL wins six medals at universities’ regatta
Tuesday 15 May 2012
UEL got an early taste of the medal action during the opening day at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham when elite scholarship athlete, Dave Loveday, picked up bronze for his gutsy performance in the lightweight single scull. Unfortunately, lady luck was not on Medical Physiology student, Rebecca Humphreys’ side, as she missed out on a bronze medal in the women’s lightweight single scull by the narrowest of margins – 0.1 seconds.
Without doubt, the crew of David Bell, Alan Sinclair, Tom Wilkinson and John Collins, have become one of the most formidable in university rowing. In what was a hard fought race, the crew along with cox, Rhiannon Jones, emerged on top to claim a dramatic photo-finish victory over Loughborough University in the coxed four. Not content with winning the coxed four, the crew put Loughborough to the sword again in the men’s quadruple sculls, winning by two clear boat lengths.
Members of the crew also managed to pick up medals in other races at the BUCS regatta. John was awarded a silver medal for his superb effort in the single scull, and in the double scull, where he teamed up with Alan, while Tom and Alan were rewarded with a well-deserved third place to scoop bronze in the men’s pair.
David Cosford, Director of Sport at UEL, said: “The guys have done themselves and the university proud. I’m so pleased that we have improved on our medal tally from last year’s regatta. To win two more medals this year is absolutely fantastic, and clearly indicates there are some really exciting times ahead for UEL’s rowing team.
“This performance could prove to be a very important milestone in our pursuit to become the number one for sport in London by 2015.”
In other highlights from the BUCS Regatta, UEL Boat Club Captain, Daniella Baggaley and Megan Rigby exceeded their own expectations by making the B final of the women’s intermediate double scull. Both Daniella and Megan were joined by Ellie Gay, Kaeli Gibson and cox, Rhiannon Jones, in the intermediate coxed four, and the crew just missed out on a spot in the B Final. Finally, UEL student, Tada Sveitkas, won the B Final of the men’s beginner single sculls.
Despite having a much smaller race schedule than many of the universities, which were placed lower, UEL still finished eighth on the medals table. The rowing team has won a total of 12 medals across the four championships, which means UEL has collected 15 medals in BUCS competitions this year – its highest ever tally.
Notes to Editors
The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.
