Purple and proud: Seren aims for Rio success

09 Aug 2016

A sports scholar from the University is aiming for glory when she takes part in the Rio Olympics

Biomedical science student Seren Bundy-Davis, who was born in the city, bagged a gold medal with Great Britain's 4x400m team at the European Championships last month.

The 21-year-old, who has  a guaranteed spot in both the relay and 400 metres race at Rio, met the 400m Olympic qualifying standard after securing a top-two finish in the British Championships.

The European success adds to an excellent 2015 for the student who competes for Wales and Team GB, in which she won three senior medals.

Legendary former hurdler Colin Jackson told the BBC he has earmarked Bundy-Davies as the likeliest Welsh track and field athlete to win a medal in Brazil.

The European Gold was team GB's first since 1969, and their run of three minutes 25.05 seconds was the fastest time in the world this year.

She said: “It’s like a dream to be selected for the Olympics, but now it’s getting closer, it’s getting more real.

“In 2012, I didn't think Rio 2016 would be a realistic aim, as I only joined my coach at the end of that year. However as the years went on and I had international success, I realised Rio was possible.

“It was fantastic to achieve a Gold in in the European championships: the girls ran so well before me, from the moment I got the baton I knew we had a good enough lead for it to be a simple job.

“The aim has always got to be to make the finals, so that will be mine."

She added: “As now my thoughts are turning towards Rio, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.

“So many people have been there to support me, not least, the sports scholarship at the University, which has allowed me to gain access to advice and support.

“Studying biomedical sciences and training for the Rio Olympics is no mean feat, so I’m grateful the university has given me the flexibility to fit in my lectures with my training timetable. It goes without saying I’m purple and proud!”

The University's Head of Sport, Vicky Foster Lloyd, said: “Seren is a great role model for our students who love sport. Earlier this year, she lent her support to the 1000 colleagues from across the University who took part in the Great Manchester run and we are so grateful to her for that.

“To know that she inspired so many people to get active and raise money for worthy causes is fantastic. We are so proud of her wish her all the best in the Olympics.”