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Issued:25/02/13
A Sheffield Hallam University student is celebrating after becoming the first British under-21 karateka to win a medal in his category.
Alex Gardner, 20, from Swinton in Rotherham, won a bronze medal in the men's kata at the European Championships in Turkey, taking him to number 12 in the world ranking.
Alex, who is currently studying sport science for performance coaching at Sheffield Hallam, said: "My previous best was fifth place two years ago, but this is by far the biggest achievement of my England career since I was first selected when I was 16.
"It's my first medal at European championships, and it follows the bronze medal I took at the World University Championships in July 2012. I'm definitely hoping for more success at the European University Championships in July this year."
Alex began practising karate at the age of six, and now trains in Shindo-Kai karate at Barnsley Karate Centre. He is also supported by Sheffield Hallam's Performance Athlete Support Programme, which provides its athletes withsport science support, including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, performance coaching, nutrition advice and access to a sport psychologist.
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Alex said: "The University supports me immensely, not only with the facilities, the strength and conditioning and physiotherapy, but also with my studies. I get much-needed coursework extensions and catch up periods, so I can't thank them enough."
For press information contact: Joe Field on 0114 225 2074 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk
