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Gymnastics Gold medal for Leeds Beckett Student
The 20-year-old, who studies Sports and Exercise Therapy at Leeds Beckett University’s School of Health, secured the gold medal in his major championship debut at the event in Turkey. He has become Britain’s third European champion on the floor apparatus.
Luke, who is from Halifax, joined Leeds Gymnast Club at the age of 15 after starting his training with Diamonds Gymnastics. Leeds Gymnast Club has produced a number of Olympians including Nile Wilson and Kathy Williams.
Luke trains 30 hours a week alongside doing his degree and was named Leeds Beckett University’s Sportsman of the Year last year – this was also the year he became the first known gymnast in the world to compete a triple-back somersault at the World Challenge event in Croatia.
On wining gold, Luke Whitehouse said: “It still doesn’t feel real – I have the medal but that’s just physical, it’s more the title that goes with it - ‘European Champion’ – it’s crazy and still hasn’t sunk in yet.”
Luke says he has a lot to fit into his day: “I’m trying to be organised and structured with what I do. There are some really long days leaving the house at 7.30am to get to lectures on time, and not getting back from training until 9.30pm. I’m living at home in Halifax and travelling to university in Leeds, but that’s how I can do it, as I don’t need to think about cooking or getting clothes and kit cleaned.”
Helen Llewellyn, Course Director for Sports and Exercise Therapy, in the School of Health said: “The course team are extremely proud of Luke and what he has achieved. It is inspiring to see how he is dedicated to his gymnastics career alongside managing his studies on the BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Therapy programme here at Leeds Beckett University.
“Luke works with the course team to ensure he keeps up-to-date with his studies and has flexibility with assessment deadlines to allow for training and competition at international level. We have and shall continue to wholeheartedly support Luke on his amazing journey.”
Luke says his degree course and gymnastics work well together: “The gymnastics helps me with the biomechanics and sports physiology elements as I have got to know my body pretty well through injuries and training. Equally the course is teaching me how to manage my body and ensure I protect myself, but also the recovering and maintenance.”
Luke is now looking ahead to the World Championships in October and then to the Paris Olympics next year.
For more information on our Sports and Exercise Therapy degree click here.