A Staffordshire University skier is flying high after winning a medal for Team GB at the World University Games.
Second year student Thea Fenwick claimed bronze with an impressive display in the Women’s Freeski Slopestyle event at the FISU Winter World University Games held in Lake Placid, New York State.
More than 1,400 collegiate-athletes, from 46 countries, representing more than 540 universities, participated in the international competition. Thea was one of just three athletes representing the United Kingdom who took home a medal.
The 21-year-old, pictured in action above, said: “It feels great! I didn’t go into it expecting to get a medal but after grafting so hard for so long it all feels worth it now. I’m super chuffed, the whole experience exceeded my expectations!”
Thea, who is from Scarborough, was joined at the Games by fellow Staffordshire University student Sam Morris, 20, who represented Team GB in speed skating.
The pair both study BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology via distance learning, which allows them to train alongside studying, and are members of the Staffordshire University’s High Performance Academy.
The programme supports talented athletes, coaches and officials through bursaries and bespoke development plans including strength and conditioning, nutrition advice, sports therapy sessions, and much more.
The athletes have also been working with sports psychologist Lyle Kirkham who is a Staffordshire University graduate himself.
Sam, above, who lives in Heerenveen in the Netherlands to train and skate at the highest level, said: “Competing at the World University Games was an incredible experience and gave me a real insight at what a top-level competition is run like.”
