Sports Students Flying High Outside the Classroom

Two of our Level 3 Year 2 Sports students are making waves in their respective sports outside the classroom.

Archie Gill got into cycling through his family links; his father used to compete and has since discovered his own prowess in the sport. Growing up in the sport it has become second nature to him, and he can’t see himself without it. Describing himself as a “go getter”, Archie constantly likes to be active and achieve new things.

Although Archie says it can be hard to balance his College work with his training, he is grateful his coaching set up is so flexible. Team GB firmly believe in the power of education and fit flexibly around studies to ensure Archie can complete his College course. He chats with his coaches to fit training sessions around his College timetable; and can be found training every day either out riding the bike or in the gym.

Enjoying the varied nature of the sport, one day you might be competing with your team, the next against your team members keeps Archie’s motivation fresh which is absolutely necessary as he aims to participate in the Olympics.

We asked Archie how he copes with the pressure, he said “I’ve been called ‘the next big thing’, which is really good for me. I love the pressure; it shows my hard work is paying off and the high expectations make me want to hit everything harder to stay ahead of the curve”.

Adam Platt, Lecturer in Sport says “Archie is a focused and hardworking learner who approaches his studies with maturity. He engages well with learning and applies his knowledge effectively. Alongside this, he has achieved exceptional success in track cycling, winning World and European Indoor Championships, reflecting outstanding discipline and dedication.”

Archie’s next competition is the National Track Championships in Manchester in February, and we wish him all the best both with the next competition and his journey to representing Team GB in the Olympics.

Meanwhile, fellow Sports student Paige McLoughlin is enjoying her own successes in the world of karate.

Paige’s journey into the world of martial arts began 10 years ago when she was 7. Following an unfortunate period of being bullied at school, a change meaning with a sensei doing taster sessions at school changed everything. Paige gave karate a try to build up her confidence and she hasn’t looked back since!

Already having competed in the National Championships, the British Opens, and the English Championships, Paige is now training and preparing for the World Championships. Paige won her first competition – the National Championships aged just 7 and with over 15 medals of achievement to her name since, Paige’s talent for the sport is absolutely apparent.

Alongside competing, Paige has big plans to take instructor qualifications so she can run her own open class, she is also targeting higher level competitions.

Paige said “Competing gives me a real rush of adrenaline, it’s really thrilling. I just really enjoy it. I like being able to teach others. It’s quite unique as you compete individually, but there are always others around to fight, support you and for you to learn from.”

Adam Platt added, “Paige is a motivated and conscientious learner who demonstrates a positive attitude and strong commitment to her studies. She has achieved significant success in Karate, winning National Championships, British Opens, and the English Championship, and is now preparing for the World Championships, highlighting her ambition and professionalism.”

Paige is currently in the midst of preparation for the World Championships in Romania in June and everyone at Craven College wishes you the best of luck Paige – we can’t wait to follow your journey further!

Find out more about Sport courses at Craven College.