University of Edinburgh sporting heroes honoured

Bill Lothian

June 13, 2024 6:01 am

187

The University of Edinburgh have inducted three more sports people into their Hall of Fame.

The trio includes:

Lucy Hope, a seven times European champion swimmer and Olympian.

JJ Chalmers who is a Scottish television presenter and Invictus Games medallist, wounded in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2011, while serving as a Royal Marine. In 2016 JJ Chalmers made history as the first disabled presenter to present across both the Olympic Games (BBC1) and Paralympic Games (Channel 4). JJ compered the Scotland’s Salute event to make D-Day last week at the Usher Hall.

Jasmin Paris, an ultra-marathon runner and alumni and veterinarian at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science. She was the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, one of the world’s toughest sporting challenges. Jasmin is one of only 20 people to complete the gruelling 100-mile race within its 60-hour time limit in its 38-year history.

Some 150 students were celebrated for their sports volunteering and performances, awarding 59 Colours, 48 Half Blues and 44 Blues. Additionally, seven named awards were presented, recognising outstanding coaches, officials and athletes.

Mark Munro, Head of Sport and Active Health, said:“It is with great pride that we induct these three exceptional sporting icons into our University Sports Hall of Fame. Their remarkable performances and impact on the global stage serve as a beacon of inspiration for all members of our sports and active well-being community at Edinburgh. Their influence extends far beyond our city, reinforcing our University’s position as a premier destination for talented student and staff athletes seeking to pursue their academic and sporting aspirations in the UK.”

The named award winners are:

Cameron Blue of the Year awarded for outstanding performance while at university – CIARA SCHLOSSHAN, a multiple British swimming championship finalist.
Short list – Anna McGorum (cycling), Hannah Supple (rowing), Isla Britton (triathlon) and Rachel Brown (orienteering),

Alex Currie Trophy awarded for the Most Inspirational Sporting Performance of the Year – MEGAN KEITH, European under-23 Cross Country champion.
Shortlist – Indoor Archery, women’s volleyball, Wenjun Cheah and Zacary Wong (badminton.

Alan Chainey Award for longstanding service to university sport. CARA NICHOLSON, sub aqua. Started as a beginner diver in 2014 but over a decade has supported the club’s growth and benefitted the Scottish diving community.

Coach of the Year – MAT TRODDEN – under his guidance, swimmers have broken 10 national records, won eight British Championship medals, four world championship medals and two European Championship medals this year.

Shortlist – Bruce Flockhart (badminton), Cara Nicholson (sub aqua).

Ewan Malcolm Student Coach of the Year Award – Elizabeth Muse who has dedicated herself to the university handball club. Under her leadership the men’s team finished 1st in the SSS league and 5th at the BUCS Championships, while the Women’s team finished 5th in the SSS league and 7th in the BUCS Trophy.
Shortlist – Isobel Hardy (netball), Marton Hornyck (muai Thai), Oliver Eve (sub aqua).

Student Official of the Year – Marcin Andraka who is Volleyball Club Referee Secretary who manages the club refereeing squad, overseeing referee allocations, training, and equipment management for all seven teams.
Shortlist – Asher Petit (men’s hockey), Alexis Boissel (volleyball).

McTernan Colour of the Year recognises the most outstanding Colour of the year for dedication and was gained by badminton’s Angus MacLeod. As President, Angus led the club to their highest membership on record, with over 300 Badminton Club members in 2021-22.

Shortlist – Ava Lehane (women’s football), Hannah Gray (snowsports), Thomas Busby (basketball).