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Issued:20/08/12
Some of the leading names who helped make London 2012 such an outstanding success have paid tribute to the role Sheffield Hallam University played in shaping their careers and destinies.
Top of the list is David Brailsford, performance director of British Cycling, who credits his MBA from Sheffield Hallam's Business School with underpinning his philosophy for success - which led to nine medals at London 2012.
David acknowledged the "pivotal" role played by Sheffield Hallam University when he received his honorary doctorate for services to sport in 2009.
He credited his experiences in studying for his masters at the University with directing his entire philosophy for managing the British cycling team.
He said: "I had some great times, and some harrowing ones, doing my MBA and my time here at Sheffield Hallam played a pivotal role in shaping my future."
Meanwhile, LOCOG chief executive Paul Deighton was on record to praise Sheffield Hallam's unique volunteering scheme, which led to more than 200 students volunteering at the Olympic Park, more than any other UK University.
LOCOG worked with Sheffield Hallam in developing a set of media modules which led to students taking up a number of voluntary roles at London 2012.
On a visit to Sheffield Hallam, Paul Deighton said: "This is the most significant partnership we have with any educational institution in the country by a long way. It's fantastic for us because we get terrific people, who are highly motivated and very well trained.
"And what better way for students to be entering the workforce and to be looking for a future career than to have had this kind of experience integrated into your education. It seems to me that it's a partnership that works superbly for both sides."
Sheffield Hallam has also played a key role in providing sports science support and training for Olympic athletes from around the world.
The Brazil Judo squad selected Sheffield as their UK training base ahead of London 2012 and used Sheffield Hallam's facilities in the weeks leading up to the Games.
And the University has been providing full sport science support to the GB Women's Volleyball squad both in Sheffield and at the Games, following a new agreement with the British Volleyball Federation (BVF).
Support for the squad includes physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, nutrition and sport psychology. Sheffield Hallam will support the team beyond London 2012 for the next four years.
Professor Ian Maynard, director of the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science (CSES) at Sheffield Hallam, said: "I'm very proud that we've been able to step in and continue to provide support for the GB Women's Volleyball team.
"Our aim was to assist them in achieving their goals in the run up to 2012 and beyond by providing the squad with a full remit of sport science and sport medicine services in our world class facilities."
The University's wide range of experience of providing these different services and opportunities has seen it sign a partnership agreement with the Brazilian Ministry of Sport, whereby the University will work with Brazilian Government, sports bodies and elite teams to provide similar sports science support services, along with volunteer opportunities for students to get involved in Rio 2016.
For press information contact: Laurie Harvey on 0114 225 2621 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk
