Olympian Tim hangs up his paddle to resume medicine

Former Olympic champion and University alumnus Tim Brabants has retired from his sport to resume his medical career.

The Medicine graduate, who won Britain’s first Olympic canoeing gold in the K1 1,000m race at Beijing 2008, retires as Great Britain’s most successful Olympic canoeist.

By the time he graduated from the University in 2002, Tim had already picked up a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. A gold and bronze medal followed in Beijing, before Tim finished eighth at London 2012.

Now 36, Tim plans to resume a medical career put on hold to allow him to focus on his Olympic dreams.

He led an elite group of canoeists who have graduated from Nottingham and went on the podium at four Olympic Games: 2012 Olympic Champions Etienne Stott and Tim Baillie, and double Olympic silver medallist David Florence.

The University’s Assistant Director of Sport Nigel Mayglothling said: “Tim is one of our most distinguished sporting alumni in our ever-increasing list of high sporting-achievers. He remains an outstanding University ambassador and a genuinely nice guy, always prepared to share his knowledge and strengths to inspire many of our current student athletes.

“Combining medical studies with Olympic success made Tim a beacon for all those looking to balance their studies and sport at Nottingham, proving it can be done at the very highest levels given hard work, talent and our appropriate support.”

Visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/sport

Rugby Club’s national award for promoting student sport

The University’s Rugby Club has been recognised by the game’s national governing body.

The Rugby Football Union’s President’s XV award recognised a development programme which has seen more male and female students playing, coaching and refereeing the game.

Introduced by the Students’ Union and the Sports Development Department and overseen by University Rugby Coordinator Jeff Mapp, the initiative has seen the University link up three local rugby clubs, and expand intra-mural sport and tag rugby.

Almost 200 students now represent the University in national university leagues and a further 120 players compete in the weekly IMS programme. David Priest (third year Physiotherapy) and Alex Boggis (second year Classics), have also joined the first team squad at RFU Championship side Nottingham.

Share family life with international students

Host UK, a national charity which coordinates stays for international students with families, is appealing for more volunteers to act as hosts.

A number of Nottingham students have enjoyed the hospitality offered though Host UK.

Host UK says offering such hospitality — whether over a day, weekend or perhaps Christmas — promotes international friendship and understanding.

The charity adds that University staff who act as hosts find it a rewarding experience.

Shared academic and other interests are taken into consideration in matching students with hosts.

Visit: www.hostuk.org
t: 020 7739 6292