125 UEL Stories: Athletes
Welcome to 125 UEL Athletes Stories, a campaign celebrating the diverse University of East London community.
Physical activity is inclusive at the University of East London. While we have one of the top sport programmes in the UK which nurtures athletes at the elite level, we also support and encourage everyone to stretch their bodies and minds, be it at the gym, on a recreational team or during a meditative walk along the river. Health gain is a precondition to learning gain. UEL helps all its athletes nurture their talent and achieve success, on and off the field.
Click on each of the portraits below to find out why our athletes find UEL so special. And visit our 125 UEL Stories Instagram account.
Darren Crisp - Taekwondo
BSc (Hons) Games Development"It was a great experience being part of the taekwondo team leadership; my favourite part was making new members feel welcome and helping people out."
Maya Bruney - Athletics
BA (Hons) Graphic Design"The support from UEL lecturers, coaches and sports therapists took my designs and athletic career to pro level."
Pedro De Jesus - Personal trainer
Duty Manager, SportsDock"I work at SportsDock and I'm very proud of the work we do to support students, staff and the community. This is possible because of the resources that UEL puts in place towards these objectives."
Rich Prescott - Former rugby player
Sports PR Consultant at East London Sport"I love working with the team at East London Sport because they all are aiming to make a difference to the lives of students, sports scholars and people in the community."
Shareen Naidoo - UEL futsal team
MBA"This is an institution where quality education meets quality in sports, as testament by the UEL futsal team."
Emmanuel Sosanya - 400m runner
Sports Assistant at SportsDock"This is a positive institution that allows you to be yourself."
William Adeyeye - 110m hurdles
Sports Assistant at SportsDock"UEL has a family culture vibe. That's what makes it special."
Ruheb Miah - football
Receptionist at SportsDock"There is a great sense of togetherness at UEL. It's like a proper family."
Aimen Alam - badminton
Sports Assistant at SportsDock"UEL has brilliant sports facilities and everyone is so friendly here."
Kevine Kinzoni - Football
Student & Community Development Officer at SportsDock"It's great what we do in the community. We get young people from deprived backgrounds and expose them to opportunities and raise their aspirations."
Michael Hanson-Morris - Basketball
High Performance Recruitment/ Head Coach Basketball Thirds at SportsDock"UEL provides an environment where athletes from all different backgrounds and sports can excel."
Freddie Carty - Football
East London Sport Marketing Officer at SportsDock"UEL is a fantastic place to come to study. Our High Performance Programme offers a range of athletes an opportunity to elevate their sporting skills."
Alex Hibbert - Krav Maga
Duty Manager at SportsDock"UEL is a friendly and fun environment. We host so many amazing events such as the national fencing and table tennis championships. World events... there is always something going on."
Zamman Ahmed - Football
Receptionist at SportsDock"I've been here for five years. It's like being part of one big family."
Oliver Thomas-Wilcox - Futsal
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance with West Ham United Foundation"What I love about UEL is the opportunities presented to me to further my career and knowledge."
Qamil Dervishaj - Football
BSc (Hons) Sport, Physical Education and Development"I love Sport in Your Futures. I volunteer for the programme because it gives kids so many opportunities to get involved with sport and to explore the University."
Micah Watson-Gayle - High Performance basketball programme
East London Sport Talent Pathway Project Officer at SportsDock"UEL gave me the opportunity to find myself, to be the person I am today."
Katie Ewing
Athlete Development and Dual Career Support Officer at SportsDock"The work we do to engage the community and our students is amazing."
Ellie Eaton - Netball
East London Phoenix Operations Assistant at East London Sport"Sport at UEL is special because of our connection to the local community. We run several projects which engage a variety of members with East London and I’m proud to be a part of it."
Ziana Butt - Netball
High Performance Sports Programme / England Mixed Netball Team / First person of Pakistan background to play for England"UEL's Sport in Your Futures programme gives so many children opportunities to engage with sports and activities that they wouldn't normally have. It's amazing to see the kids having so much fun."
Jessica Beeler - Basketball
Basketball Coach at SportsDock"I love that the amazing facilities are available not just to high performance athletes but to anyone ... students, the local community. I'm from America where you don't find these types of facilities that are accessible to all."
Asma Musa - Football coach
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"The Sport in Your Futures programme is a wonderful opportunity for children to get involved in sport and I don't know anywhere else that is giving this type of opportunity to the local community."
Hassan Olowu - Futsal
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance with West Ham United Foundation"From my first year what I found to be valuable is how accessible the lecturers have been and the guidance they have provided. I found them to be accessible and knowledgeable."
Carla Recover - Football coach
Sport Marketing Officer at SportsDock"Our community focused programmes are second to none. They are fostering the next generation of athletes."
Hope Revell - Previously showjumping, currently competitive CrossFit
East London Sport Marketing And Communications Manager at SportsDock“East London Sport at UEL provides access to sport and physical activity not only to our students but to the whole of the East London community.”
Brenda Ogiakha - Volleyball
LLB (Hons) Law"Doing my undergraduate at UEL has been the best decision ever. I was able to have the best coaches, make new friends, and rekindle my faith! A win is a win."
James Kilden - Gym, golf and rugby. He also coaches kids rugby and cricket.
Director of Sport and Physical Activity at SportsDock"The people that work at UEL make it what it is: full of passion, pride and friendship."
Ahmed Falah - Futsal
BEng (Hons) Biomedical Engineering"The enriching learning experience transforms the university into a kaleidoscope of knowledge, offering endless opportunities for personal growth and intellectual exploration."
Vlad Catusanu- Volleyball
PGCE Secondary Drama"The UEL sports community's perpetual commitment and passion for growing, competing and having fun is unmatched!"
Rachel Morgan - current 2x World champion and 3x British tennis champion (B1 category)
BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice"I love the dedication of the staff both in the criminology team as well as my UEL coaches. Staff are so supportive and do as much as possible for me to excel on the court and in academic life."
Alex Strickland - Basketball
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy"I love the way UEL gets everyone involved in sports. There are multiple teams that give everyone an opportunity and a chance to play."
Rhys Sandimatt - Basketball
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"UEL has great sports facilities and the coaching is superb."
Emma Marlow - Football
East London Sport Sports Development Manager at SportsDock"Playing sport at UEL has provided me with opportunities to go into coaching young people, a career in sport and also allowed me to continue playing sport and meeting people who have now turned into best friends."
Andy Preston - Marathon running
Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance"UEL is a special place because everybody here is on a journey, and feeling that I’m contributing in some small way to these journeys is incredibly rewarding."
Dave Wilson - running
Deputy Director Of Student ServicesI have joined as SportsDock as a staff member, and exercise is my therapy; it clears my head and gives me focus. I am passionate about alternative exercise, to help students to feel better about themselves.”
Robert De Jong - Cycling
Director for the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, Academic Partnership, Talent Gateway"UEL is leading sustainability initiatives. The Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability has a unique opportunity to bring together businesses, government, knowledge institutions and communities across East London, the UK and globally."
Greeshma Hegde - Badminton
MBA Master of Business Administration (Business Analytics)"There are so many options at UEL to take part in sport. The facilities at SportsDock are really great. We are very lucky."
Sreehari Radhakrishan - Badminton
MSc Human Resource Management"It's great that we can get access to so many sporting facilities. My friends at other universities say they cannot believe what we have at UEL."
Nuwayra Badat - Basketball
BSc (Hons) Sport, Physical Education and Development"The sporting facilities at SportsDock are really great. I love that students get to use them for free. You are not limited either. You can try as many different sports as you like."
Bruce Florentino - Basketball
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy"What I love about UEL is that it encourages you to take part in so many different sports - and you get access to such great facilities."
Shyanne Douglas-Small - Basketball
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"Studying at UEL as a sports scholar has been excellent. It gives you the flexibility to progress your sport while studying for your degree. I feel really lucky to be here."
Nagapradeep Nagarajan - Badminton
MBA Master of Business Administration (Supply Chain Management)"The sports facilities at UEL are mind blowing! It's great that the University encourages you to be fit both physically and mentally. It makes you a better, more rounded individual."
Anjana Nanayakkara - Badminton
Lecturer, Department of Business Entrepreneurship & Finance"I was an undergraduate at UEL from 2010 to 2013. The facilities are amazing. I love the way UEL encourages both students and staff to participate in sport."
Simone Laidlow - Olympic hurdler 1988
Manager Newham School Sports Partnership"The partnership between UEL and Newham is really aspirational. It gives primary school children the opportunity to see there are so many opportunities to explore."
Bobby Ayodele - Basketball (European Under 20)
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"Studying at UEL as a sports scholar is very good. It's very flexible. I can practice whenever I want; it fits around my studies."
Rahul Mukherjee
MBA Master of Business Administration (Business Analytics)"My journey at UEL has been highly enriching, consequential, and delightful. From being an international student to becoming a member of staff at UEL, it has been an incredibly rewarding and impeccable experience for me!"
Jacob Hood - Mid-distance runner
Work-Based Learning & Employability Coordinator"UEL's flagship projects such as Sport in Your Futures give opportunities to so many children from across the borough while also giving our students the chance to get involved."
Tom Shorey - running
School Marketing Manager"I've been at UEL since 2011 when I started studying graphic design, and I'm struggling to escape... The people I work with are a joy to be around!"
Alvie Co - Volleyball
Duty Manager at SportsDock"I love the fact the university is so diverse. UEL also has great links and connections to industry which provide jobs, internships and coaching opportunities."
Hilary Lissenden - Former gymnast and sprinter, current amateur boxing referee at an international level
Assistant chief operating officer (Sport and Active Campus)"I love that UEL offers an amazing range of opportunities for students to participate actively in university life, through traditional and non-traditional sport."
Xhesiola Frroku - Taekwondo
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology, 2018 BSc (Hons) Clinical and Community Psychology 2020"I went all out as a Taekwondo athlete for UEL, pushing through tough training, bruises and injuries, but with my incredible team and coaches, we overcame every obstacle, winning fights."
Vivek William - Badminton
MSc Human Resource Management"I absolutely love the UEL environment. The facilities are brilliant and the ambience is incredible."
Patil Ketan - Badminton
MBA Master of Business Administration"The facilities at SportsDock are great. I enjoy taking part in all the activities because I like to keep fit. It helps me with my studies."
Kaitlann Mahangoo - Basketball
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (2019-2022) and MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences (Strength and Conditioning) (2022-2023)"I went from picking up a basketball on an empty court to being spotted by a coach and finding a passion in the sport. I was able to have two great years as a High Performance basketball scholar representing UEL."
Patricia Lyn Co - Volleyball
School International Student Support Officer“I have been playing volleyball at UEL since I was a student, and now as a staff member. It has been great because I get to meet new people and it helps build a sense of community.”
Emma Mogan - Football
Student Support Hub Advisor“I felt very supported by the regular meetings with my head coach which allowed me to address any concerns early on, while we were also able to formulate personal training plans and goals to aid performance.”
Darnel Sharpe-Kelly - Basketball
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"What I like about UEL is the availability of the courts. I'm a basketball player so it's great to be able to play when I want."
Andy Galbraith - Running
Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience"I love UEL for the location - it's great for running along the river - and the students and the staff team. I run to work as a commute. I live just over five miles from UEL."
Claudia Roehlen - Rowing
Mentoring Officer, Careers and Student Enterprise“Through UEL I found my passion and love for rowing. I did a learn-to-row course with the University’s boat club five years ago and have the best memories of that!"
Marina Thomas - Running
Senior Communications Officer, External Relations"It’s great that UEL encourages everyone to take part in sport for their mental and physical wellbeing."
Lee Brown - Muay Thai & Skydiving
High Performance Sports Lecturer, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience"UEL has a beautifully diverse community that is rich in culture exchange and celebrates how different our human race is."
Stewart Bruce-Low - Paddleboarding
Associate Professor and Head of Department Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience"What is special about UEL is the opportunity to be part of the potential of becoming the next big thing."
Sarah Bernasko - Netball
Physiotherapist"While studying for my degree in physiotherapy, I played netball for UEL. It was great to be allowed and encouraged to be active while doing my studies."
Jaron Goh - Badminton
Management Specialist"It's a different kind of experience and academic life at UEL. I did a master's in Business Psychology. If I hadn't joined the badminton team I wouldn't have gone to the SportsDock which has such great facilities."
Sal Lack - Powerlifting. Bench only and Deadlift only. In the British Powerlifting Team in both the AWPC and the IPL. [Also now for the Strict Curl federation]
Interim Director of Health & Safety"Having the gym in Sports Dock available at the staff discount helps to ensure I can train when away from home."
Rachel Silver - Tennis and golf
MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology"Studying at a campus which is based where the London 2012 Olympic Games were staged has been quite an inspirational experience for me because it is part of sporting history, and I love how UEL is playing its part in the legacy."
Neil Silver - Golf and football
Senior Communications Officer (Corporate)The diversity, inclusion, and culture makes this is a great place to work and I come in with a spring in my step. When I take a break I can sit and watch the planes take off or land, which never gets boring.
Dr Kara-Aretha Graham - Athletics
Lecturer and course leader of sport foundation year"UEL is special as it connects Higher Education with the local community."
Jane Calvert-Lee - Walking
Honorary Visiting Professor - School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering"I applaud the emphasis that UEL places on exercise and sport because of its impact on well-being. Its sports facilities are first-class and invaluable for students and staff, as well as the local community."
Richard Buscombe - All sports but currently rugby union
Senior lecturer; Sport and Exercise Psychology"I feel that I learn something new every day from our diverse student group."
Laura Tenison MBE - Cycling, especially long distance
Honorary degree in Business Administration"Life, education and business is full of challenges, but success through adversity is all the sweeter."
Onyinye (Onyi) Oyedele (Nee - Ojunta) - Walking
BSc (Hons) Media and Communications Technologies (2003); Honorary Master of Arts (2009)"UEL is a hub for creativity and exploring diverse learning frameworks. I love the variety of innovative study options. The connection with colleagues and lecturers beyond UEL is also remarkable."
Harmander Singh - Road running - he will be completing the unique double of running BOTH the London Marathon AND the Great North Run (on 10 September) for the 39th consecutive year
Honorary Fellowship for outstanding achievement in capacity building of the voluntary sector."Thanks to UEL I have run 176 marathons and coached the world's oldest marathon runner (Fauja Singh). I am club president of Sikhs In The City running club that promotes racial and religious harmony through sport."
Dr Leroy Logan MBE - Cycling
Honorary degree - Contribution to policing"I appreciate the diversity and the international links, which is reflected in the alumni."
Balvinder Kaur Saund, J.P. - Yoga
Honorary degree - MA Master of Arts"As Chair of Sikh Women’s Alliance, for past 23 years, we have been holding social conferences in partnership with UEL at Stratford and Docklands campuses. UEL has been very supportive of us Sikh women."
Dylan Gee - Tennis
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"What makes UEL special is the diversity and community."
Sibahle Mguga - Sports coach and netball player
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy"Being able to represent my sport, study, and use UEL's facilities has been amazing so far! Looking forward to many more opportunities at UEL."
Joseph Ikhinmwin - Basketball
MSc Sports Management"UEL facilitated great support for me while I was away competing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games which was instrumental in me completing the course."
Balwinder Singh - Badminton
MSc Big Data Technologies"I love working in the Docklands Campus library as it is great for reading and research. I also like my lecturers because they are friendly and approachable."
Alfayad Midhulraj - Badminton
MSc International Business Management"I love the atmosphere at the Docklands Campus, and how I can look across at the lake and the airport. I also really like the Sports Dock."
Ade Oduntan - Football and basketball
MSc International Business Management"I have made friends from 22 countries since coming to study at UEL."
Mufassir Pookkayil - Football
MSc International Business Management"The facilities here are great and I have been using the gym to keep myself fit."
Ashfaq Ali - Football
MSc International Business Management"I really enjoy the social aspect of being on campus."
Benafsha Yaqubi - Tennis
LLM Transitional Justice and Conflict"I am based at Stratford in a vibrant community, but I enjoy coming to work at the Docklands Campus with the Clearing team, where the staff are very friendly."
Lakshan Sathyawlu - Cricket
MSc Big Data Technologies"The whole environment and facilities are great, and my lecturers and tutors are very friendly."
Aswin Pradeep - Cricket and football
MBA"I enjoy the buzz of being on campus and I find the people very friendly and welcoming."
Prijin Arakku Vadakkeveedu - Football and cricket
MBA"There is a welcoming atmosphere here which I enjoy."
Olivia Bauer - Nomad/volunteer/yoga teacher
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy"UEL provided me the opportunity to meet people from multiple backgrounds, allowing to broaden my horizons and become more open minded."
Adedamola Okunola - Football
MBA"I love the fact that UEL provides a jobs platform for international students and focuses on employability."
Jessica Beeler - Basketball
MSc Sports Psychology"I enjoy meeting people from around the world and learning about their culture."
Anandhakrishnan Sandhoshkumar - Cricket
MBA Digital Marketing"I spend a lot of time at Sports Dock because it is a great place to be, and I have made lots of friends."
Sumit Pankhania - Body Building
MSc"I like the fact that we are given the freedom and space to develop as people, and nobody nags you."
Megan Cunnington - Football
MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology"I think the amount of support we receive from the academics is excellent."
Vivek William - Cricket
MSc Human Resource Management"My course leaders are very friendly and helpful."
Katarina Blanco - Swimming
BSc (Hons) Psychology"I now work at UEL in a great team and in a great environment."
Debbie Lindsay - Dance
Head of SMART"As the Smart Team Manager I love my time at UEL. It's a great place to work."
Angela Mormile - Football
BA (Hons) Criminology and Law"I was a student during the Covid-19 pandemic and the support I received was excellent."
Sidra Shafique - Badminton
MSc Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP)"There are great work opportunities here."
Mohammed Saifullah - Cricket
MSc Data Science"Everyone has been so friendly and supportive and I have enjoyed the opportunities to work on campus."
Hazel Walker - Cycling
MSc Psychology (conversion course)"Being a careers-led university, UEL has facilitated the development of skills and knowledge essential for my recent progression onto the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology."
Charlotte Lynch - Football
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"While at UEL I was able to make lifelong friends and connections with other Londoners with the similar passions and we continue to stay in touch to this day."
Shreem Khare - Swimming
BA (Hons) Graphic Design"Thanks to UEL, I've been able to keep my sporting hobbies alive even after graduation. I love going to the SportsDock gym regularly after finishing work and sometimes early in the mornings too."
Aubrie Cresswell - Volleyball
MBA Master of Business Administration"As an international student, moving to London at 20 years old came with a lot of risk and discomfort. UEL provided me with an incredible amount of support throughout my studies and continues to do so."
Nick Azinas - Black belt in judo and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BA (Hons) Music Industry Management"One of the best things about UEL was to be surrounded by devoted professors with real life experience of the music industry, as well as students who all had a common passion for music and business."
Dwayne Fields - Explorer and TV presenter (image credit Christopher Michel)
BA (Hons) Psychology, International Development with Career and Business Management"UEL gave me a little bit more confidence that I needed. I think fundamentally it was a great experience for me; I loved it and now that I am on the other side of it, I look back and have fond memories."
Adam Gemili - Sprinter
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Human Biology"To be an elite athlete, you've got to have the right mindset. Sport can implement your work ethic in many ways. It gives you discipline. UEL has helped me be driven. I've seen evidence of that. I couldn't have done it without them."
Gemma Gibbons - Judo
MSc Exercise Science and Health"When you are training as hard as you can but not getting results in competitions, you do think, what do I have to do? Deep within, though, I always knew I could do something special, and that is what drives you on."
Bianca Williams - Athletics
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"Having a baby shouldn’t stop you from achieving your goals."
Rinsola Babajide - Football
Sports Coaching"I get access to the gym and a strength and conditional programme that was given to me as an international athlete and which is helping me out on the pitch."
Aimee Willmott - Swimming
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science"In my own swimming career, I have had many setbacks such as serious injury, and programme closures. I have learnt to draw on motivation to train hard and apply myself 100 per cent each and every day using various techniques."
Jona Efoloko - Sprinting
Business Marketing"I had a good time at UEL even though it was during Covid-19 so I only had one normal year on campus. It’s so important to believe in yourself and to be able to say that you did your best."
Priya Shekhawat - Athletics
MBA (Business Analytics)"UEL is very diverse and there are lots of Indian students. We feel valued, I just saw a Sari draping going on at the library. I feel recognised and part of the community."
Nishant Makwana - Cricket and football
MBA (FinTech)"I like the diversity at the University as well of the view of the campus which is gives us a kind of peaceful atmosphere."
Rakesh Gangishetty - Cricket
MBA"There is so much diversity in the people. There are mostly Indian people and it feels like my own country. My culture is appreciated and it feels like a second home."
Shanti Lama - Badminton
BSc (Hons) Business Management"The area is nice and next to the river, it's a very relaxing campus. I've never seen a university like this before."
Fabiola Rosario - Dancing
BA (Hons) Hospitality Management"It’s a very nice location. The outside is very spacious and there is lots of nature”
Qandagha Faryad - Football
Library worker"Everyone is friendly and there is lots of teamwork. UEL is close to my home so it's convenient."
Ajay Ranwa - Volleyball and Kabaddi
BSc (Hons) Computer Science"The campus area is very good. They provide a wide variety of course material so we can choose which technology we like and want to pursue a future in."
Tirth Soliya - Marathon
MSc Computer Science"UEL has the latest technological courses. I am studying computer science and they are teaching me about the hot topics like AI and cloud computing."
Pooja Rana - Walking and playing volleyball
BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering"The location is perfect and I have never seen a university like this. It does not feel like a university, it feels very comfortable. The course is amazing and I love the multicultural environment. I never feel alone."
Aadil Mandozi - Basketball
BSc (Hons) Business Management"The campus is nice and the sports facilities are good. There is diverse people."
Yogesh Rayamajhi - Football and basketball
BSc (Hons) Business Management"I aspire to become an entrepreneur and the course will hopefully help me with my business."
Dami Omisore - Lawn tennis and table tennis
MSc Data Science"The thing I enjoy about UEL the most is the diversity."
Emeka Umendu - Football, Badminton, and lawn tennis
Prof Doc Data Science"UEL has a very wide range of educational careers. As a matter of fact the interactive aspect is also amazing, you meet so many different people."