Loughborough University is celebrating the conclusion of this year’s Commonwealth Games, after its associated athletes secured a mammoth haul of 47 medals.
After taking part in the Birmingham event, between July 28 and August 8, the university finished with 14 golds, 17 silvers and 16 bronze medals.
In fact, the result was so impressive that if it was a country, that number would have given them a sixth place overall finish in the games, beating the likes of Kenya, South Africa and Jamaica.
Success for Loughborough began on the first day of the contest when triathlete Alex Yee, who trains at the university, took the first gold medal of the Commonwealth Games in the men’s triathlon.
The university continued its success, claiming a clutch of medals over the 11 day event, which concluded with two silvers in squash and badminton on Monday’s final day of action (August 8).
Other highlights include Adam Peaty, who trains at the university, claiming gold in the 50m breaststroke event and Loughborough student Olivia Broome winning silver in the Para Powerlifting. There were also eight players and staff from the university on the England Women’s hockey team who secured gold during the Games.
“With so many highlights it’s difficult to shine a spotlight on a select few, but I was hugely impressed with alumnus James Wilby’s incredible gold in the 100m breaststroke, Olivia Broome’s silver in Para powerlifting, and England Women’s brilliant gold in the hockey,” said John Steele OBE, Executive Director of Sport, Loughborough University.
“During major events we, perhaps understandably, become medal focussed, however, it’s about more than just medal moments. Selection to represent Team England is a huge achievement in itself, then to go on to compete, create personal bests, and moments that inspire young and old alike are all very special,” he went on to add.
Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, praised the “phenomenal efforts” of all Loughborough athletes, coaches and support staff who appeared at the Commonwealth Games.
“To finish sixth in the medal table is an incredible achievement and Loughborough’s performance on the world sporting stage is testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of all those involved,” he said.
“Everybody at Loughborough sends their congratulations to all that made Birmingham a remarkable Games.”
To find out more about Loughborough University’s Commonwealth success, visit: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/
