The University of Kent's Sports Scholarship Scheme has seen many exceptional athletes achieve incredible feats both within and outside the University. Our Hall of Fame is where we showcase some of these talented individuals.
Chris is a University of Kent student, currently studying for a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science.
Chris received a Sports Scholarship for Cycling.
"The Scholarship Scheme enabled me to continue my cycling throughout my undergraduate studies. The support provided by the programme is invaluable to any aspiring athlete during their time at the University."
Read our interview with Chris on our blog.
Hometown: Canterbury, Kent
Sport: Cycling
Academic course: PhD in Sport and Exercise Science 2021 to 2024
Graduation year: PhD Thesis Submission September 2024
Current job/company and workplace: PhD Researcher, University of Kent
Best sporting achievement while at university:
Details of current sporting status, recent competitions, results or upcoming events:
In the process of building towards a season of Ironman Triathlon racing in 2025, after completion of the PhD.
A short reflection on your time at Kent University and on the Sports Scholarship Scheme:
The scholar scheme allowed me to continue my cycling throughout my undergraduate studies. The support provided by the programme was invaluable and set me up for future sporting success.
Millie is a former University of Kent student, having graduated in 2021 with a BSc in Psychology.
Millie received a Sports Scholarship for Para-Alpine Skiing.
"I love that I have done a full circle at Kent Sport, starting as a junior athlete at 16, then becoming a student and scholar, to now working as a member of staff in the physio clinic. I grew up in Canterbury and have travelled the world since, but Kent will always be my home and I am proud to be able to give back to Kent Sport by helping the next generation of athletes."
Millie now works for the Kent Sports Clinic as a Massage Therapist.
Read our interview with Millie on our blog.
Hometown: Canterbury, Kent
Sport: Para-Alpine Skiing
Academic course: BSc Psychology (2017-2021)
Graduation year: 2021
Current job/company and workplace: Kent Sports Clinic, University of Kent
Best sporting achievement while at university:
Best sporting achievement outside or post-university:
Details of current sporting status, recent competitions, results or upcoming events:
A short reflection on your time at Kent University and on the Sports Scholarship Scheme:
I loved every second of my time at Kent. I was so lucky to have had access to such amazing facilities and expertise. Along with the financial, academic, and moral support from everyone at Kent.
Tom is a former University of Kent student, having graduated in 2014 with a PhD in International Relations.
Tom received a Sports Scholarship for Volleyball.
"My sports helped me to achieve professional goals that I would otherwise probably never have been able to achieve. I laid the foundations for that in the sports hall and gym of the University of Kent, and am absolutely honoured to say that."
Tom is a Member of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg.
Read our interview with Tom on our blog.
Hometown: Roeselare / Belgium
Sport: Volleyball
Academic course:
Master (2006-2007) and PhD (2007-2014) in International Relations with a focus on the Polish-German Relations in the context of EU enlargement
Current job / company and workplace:
Member of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg
Best sporting achievement while at university:
BUCS Championship 3rd place
Best sporting achievement outside or post-university:
West-Flanders Cup Finalist
Details of current sporting status, recent competitions, results or upcoming events:
Due to time constraints, I focus on individual sports such as cycling and running. However, I am still very much involved in the volleyball world as a board member of the volleyball team of my home town: Knack Roeselare.
Short reflection on your time at Kent University and on the Sports Scholarship Scheme:
The Sports Scholarship Scheme allowed me to train like a professional sportsman whilst studying. Progress was real, thanks to the excellent trainers that were associated to the Sports department.
James is a former University of Kent student, having graduated in 2017 with a First Class Honours degree in LLB Law.
James received a Sports Scholarship for Road Cycling.
In the 2016-17 academic year, James was awarded Scholar of the Year for exceptional commitment to the Scholarship programme.
"The competitive desire remains strong for me. I am relishing the new challenge of long-distance triathlon and ‘starting afresh’ with running and swimming."
James is a Solicitor (Construction) at Irwin Mitchell LLP.
Read the Kent Sport and Kent Law School interviews with James.
Hometown: Bognor Regis
Sport: Road Cycling / Time Trialling
Academic course: LLB Law / 2014-2017
Graduation year and result: 2017 / First 1:1
Current job / company and workplace:
Solicitor (Construction) at Irwin Mitchell LLP, Felpham / Gatwick
Best sporting achievement while at university:
Sports Scholar of the Year. 8th (10 Mile) and 9th (25 mile) at the National BUCS Time Trials in 2017.
Best sporting achievement outside or post-university:
Achieving a time of 19m 03 seconds for a 10 mile TT and 48 minutes 57 seconds at a 25 mile TT.
Details of current sporting status, recent competitions, results, or upcoming events:
Half ironman distance triathlon – June 2021 at Goodwood Motor Circuit.
Short reflection on your time at Kent University and on the Sports Scholarship Scheme:
The highlight of my time at Kent was my time on the Sports Scholar Scheme. As a result of the coaching I received across my three years, my results improved year on year, culminating in top tens in both of my national BUCS events in my final year. Training alongside ‘the best’ athletes and coaches, helps to challenge you to seek improvement at every opportunity and to maximise your full potential.
