海角直播

University duo head to Commonwealth Games

A student and lecturer from the University of 海角直播 are hoping to boost England鈥檚 chances of medal success in the Commonwealth Games in Australia next March.

Johanna Jackson, 21, from New Marske is in the third year of a BSc (Hons) Creative Digital Media degree. She will be competing in the 20km race walking event with high hopes of a medal in her first major competition. While Johanna is competing, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy Julie Sparrow is applying her professional physiotherapy skills to the England team. As well as running the 鈥榟olding camp鈥� where each of the athletes will spend time preparing for the Games, Julie will also be on hand to assist the athletes throughout the event.

Johanna, who receives financial assistance from the University鈥檚 Elite Athlete Fund, said: 鈥淚鈥檝e competed in the European Cup but this will be my first really big tournament. I train at least six days per week with Redcar Race Walking Club. It鈥檚 hard work but worth it.

鈥淭he money from the Elite Athlete Fund is a great help. As well as equipment, it also helps towards the travelling costs. There aren鈥檛 many races in the region and it costs a lot to get to races around the country so the 拢1,250 from the fund comes in really useful.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to get to Australia and compete at the highest level. It鈥檚 going to be a great experience and I鈥檓 going to enjoy every minute of it.鈥�

Julie Sparrow, who trained in physiotherapy at the then 海角直播 Polytechnic in the early 1980s, is no stranger to international competitions. She has worked with athletes in two previous Commonwealth and Olympic Games, as well as many gymnastic tournaments and World Championships. Julie has worked at the University for five years and said: 鈥淚鈥檒l mainly be working with the gymnasts once the Games begin, but I will be available for all of the athletes. I鈥檝e been involved in international sports since 1988 and it鈥檚 always exciting. I鈥檒l keep an eye out for Johanna in Australia 鈥� I may able to offer a helping hand!鈥�

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