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23 Mar 2011 15:32:18
International athlete Micheal Doyle is needing to dig deep this year, both in financial and sporting terms.
The 23-year-old race walking Irishman, who hails from County Meath, is undertaking a Masters in Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health Promotion at the University of Bedfordshire having previously completed his degree in Sport and PE.
Micheal’s pedigree is undoubted as he was ranked number one in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) rankings in 2010, he is ranked among the top 15 students in the world and he achieved a personal best of 87 minutes and 55 seconds over the Olympic 20k discipline last year.
He was recently altitude training in South Africa for a month, funded by the Irish race walking federation, and took part in a Grand Prix event in Switzerland at the weekend.
Micheal, who started race walking more than a decade ago “after I took part in local championships and caught the bug”, now combines his studies at the Bedford campus with being a full-time athlete.
He said: “I get help off my parents but any additional funding would obviously help. I can’t work now to earn my own money as I’m a full-time athlete and combine this with my studies.”
Micheal trains twice a day and between 10-14 times each week, clocking up an average of 90-105 miles weekly.
His goals include finishing in the top 30 at the European Cup in Portugal this May, qualifying for the World Student Games – the Olympics for students – in China in August and of course the London 2012 Olympic Games are less than 18 months away.
For the fourth successive year, Micheal is one of a small number of elite sport scholars at the University who each receive financial assistance to boost their training and development.
He said: “The University has been brilliant to me with all its scholarship money and also with extensions for assignments due to my training abroad and competitions.”
The University’s Director of Sport, Professor John Brewer, said: “We’re delighted that the University has been able to help one of our students achieve his academic and sporting goals.
“Micheal is a genuine medal prospect for the World Student Games and a potential competitor in the London 2012 Olympics.
“We’re following his progress closely and, along with everyone at the University, I wish him every success in the future.”
For any offers of sponsorship, contact john.brewer@beds.ac.uk
Latest news» 2011» March» Keeping up to speed with Micheal
