The University is hugely proud to see our former students competing for team GB in Paris 2024.

Kirsty Gilmour (BA Creative Industries Practice 2015) is taking part in her 3rd Olympics as she spearheads the Badminton squad. Spending most of the last decade in the top 30 of the world rankings, Kirsty is one of the best badminton singles players that Britain has ever produced.

“Selection never gets old. It’s maybe a bit cliché but it’s just as special as the first one. I’m maybe a bit better versed in what’s going on and all the build-up and pageantry around it, but it’s still super exciting.”

Lee Morton (BA (Hons) Criminal Justice 2017) is fresh off captaining Scotland Men’s Hockey side and will be adding to his 100 combined international caps as he competes in his first Olympics.

“Honoured to have been selected to represent Team GB at the Olympic Games this summer in Paris. As a young boy, this was something I always dreamt of but never always believed was possible and I’m so thankful to all who have helped me on the way.”

Martin Perry (BSc Sport Development 2015) will also be heading out to his first Paralympics this summer as the World No. 8 player looks to medal in Table Tennis. Martin, European Team and British Champion 2019, has finally realised his dream of securing a place after narrowly missing out for the 2020 Games in Tokyo.

“I only officially found out I was qualified while I was still competing. I remember winning the match, I looked at my coach, I said ‘I think I’m in’, and he said ‘yeah, you are’. I stepped over the barrier to the court, sat down and bawled my eyes out. So many years of doubting myself, hours of hard work on the table, it was 14 years of relief.”

Stephen McGuire (HND Retail Management 2005) will be making an incredible 4th consecutive Paralympics representing Team GB in Boccia. He made his Paralympic debut at London 2012 where he competed alongside his brother, Peter. He has since competed at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. His career highlight was at the 2016 World Championships in Beijing when he became World Champion in individual competition to better his silver medal from 2010.

“For me there is no greater privilege in sport than competing at the Paralympic Games for GB. This selection is not possible without my teammates who push me every session.”

Kayleigh Haggo (BA (Hons) Sports Coaching & Development 2019) will be making her Paralympic debut in Paris but she has been on the world stage for another sport before. A World and European Champion frame-runner, Kayleigh was devastated to find out her sport would not be included in the Paris Paralympics. Not willing to give her Paralympics dream up, she started playing boccia. From having played boccia only a handful of times in two years she reached 13th in the world rankings and was named in the boccia team for Paris 2024 in June.

 “After 13 years of competing internationally over 3 different sports, my dream has finally come true. Thank you to my wonderful family and friends who have supported me on this crazy long journey. I hope to make you all proud in Paris.”