• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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Commonwealth Games stars welcomed back to Teesside

Teesside University marked the homecoming of two of its Commonwealth Games stars with a celebration on campus.

Jade Jones-Hall, a final-year law student, and Harry Tanfield, who is studying for a master’s in civil and structural engineering, have just returned to Teesside after representing their country at the games in Australia.

Both won places on the podium after impressive performances. Jade, 22, claimed gold for England in the para-triathlon after a dominant display and went on to achieve bronze in the women’s T54 marathon.

Harry, 23, won silver for England in the men’s individual time trial, finishing 30 seconds behind Australia’s Cameron Mayer.

They were formally congratulated by Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), in front of a crowd of staff and students in The Gym on the University campus.

Professor Simpson said: “We are incredibly proud of both Jade and Harry for their achievements and for also representing Teesside on the world stage.

“They have done a fantastic job and it is a testament to them as athletes. We were delighted to welcome them back to the University and formally congratulate them on their success.”

Jade is no stranger to international competitions having competed at the Paralympic Games in 2012 and 2016 but was both surprised and delighted to be asked to be the closing ceremony flag-bearer for Team England.

“To be the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony was amazing – I didn’t expect it and it was an absolute honour. I was one of the first disabled athletes to do that for Team England which was incredible,” Jade said.

”It was really exciting to represent not only England but Teesside – I have had amazing support in particular from Teesside.”

It was the first time Harry had represented his country and for him the experience will be an unforgettable one.

“It was fantastic to represent England for the first time. I have been overwhelmed by support from everyone.”

Although they have only recently arrived home, there is no rest for the pair as Jade went straight on to race in the London Marathon and Harry is preparing for the Klondike Grand Prix cycle road race on 29 April.

Both Jade and Harry are members of the University’s elite athlete scheme and they received support from Sport and Wellbeing in the run up to the games.

The scheme provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to athletes at international level or with exceptional international potential. It provides a comprehensive support package individually tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

Athletes can access academic and sports science support such as physiological and biomechanical assessment, monitoring of training loads, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and sports psychology support.

By admin