Tokyo ambition coming true for UEL student

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Published

16 August 2021

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Vanessa Wallace has been called up to represent ParalympicsGB in the women's shot put F34 at Tokyo 2020.

Currently studying for a BSc degree in Sports and Exercise Science at the University of East London (UEL), Vanessa is hoping to go one better than her silver medal shot success at the World Para Athletics European Championships in June 2021, where she also co-captained the British team.

 

Tokyo 2020 has been my ambition as a competitor for some while. I am so happy. I can't wait for it to start,"

Vanessa Wallace, UEL student and Paralympic competitor, said.

After getting over an operation, Vanessa hit 2021 with her biggest shot distances ever. "Sexy throws. I think it was having a rest in lockdown," she says of her 8:09m throw at the Coventry Spring Meet, after a previous personal best of 7.66 m.

Then, in Poland, she threw 8.73 metres in to clinch the silver medal at the European Championships. Let's hope her next personal best is in Tokyo.

Vanessa, who was on the UEL New Beginnings programme in 2016, credits the University with playing a vital part in her development. She says, "UEL underpins what I get to achieve as an athlete and as a person. Especially at the start, the university offered me support I didn't have. Their support rivals any world-class programme."

The Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 run from 24 August to 5 September. The women's shot put F34 final is on 31 August (morning session).

  • Sport Science

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