Historic weekend for Leeds Beckett University Athletes

Athletics - Cross Country

Starting with cross country success, Beckett took a team of 38 athletes to take on the mud of the Loughborough pitches, with huge success across both the short and long course teams. The most notable result came from Isobel Holt who came away with a marginal win, taking down a mighty field of talent, also significantly improving on her 9^th place finish last year at the Cardiff course. Isobel became only the second Leeds Beckett women’s long course winner in BUCS history, behind Olympian Georgia Taylor Brown over 10 years ago in 2014, Sterling. Isobel was accompanied by Lizzie Wellsted who positioned 6^th and Isobel Burke 36^th, to make the top 3 scorers on the team. The women’s long course team placed 4^th in the team standings, which makes it the highest scoring team in Beckett history.

Other notable results, in our men’s long course, the team packed well. Ash Burgess (18th), Josh Blevins (44th), James Salt (53rd) and Henry Yelling (59th) formed the scoring quartet, finishing 6th place overall in the team standings, in a heavily dominated Loughborough field.

Gymnastics Medal Haul

Our gymnastics team took to the Hinckley gymnastics club in Leicester for their BUCS championship, again returning decorated with medals. First up was sport scholar, Shanna-Kae Grant, competing with new routines, and in turn was awarded 2nd All around, bars, and 3rd on Beam in a decorated field of competition. 

The men’s side saw an exceptional showing from Connor Sullivan, who claimed 1st All around, Floor and Rings, 2nd parallel bars and 3rd on vault and horizontal bar. Connor was accompanied by Beckett and Leeds Gymnastics teammate, Mikey Goddard who also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 2nd All around, floor, pommel horse and rings and also 1st on the vault and Parallel bars. Sport scholar Harry eyres added to the team’s success with an 11th place All around finish.

After being hampered by injuries last season, the men’s team made significant progress on last year’s BUCS results, and it meant that both teams finished in 2nd place overall. With European and Commonwealth selection ambitions later in the year, this competition served as a crucial benchmark and signals a highly promising season ahead.

Korfball Dominance

Completing the weekend’s success, the Korfball teams showcased their quality in dominant fashion. The 1st team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning regionals to secure top seeding heading into the national championships. Their statement victory over reigning BUCS champions Nottingham confirmed Leeds Beckett as a major title contender.

Elena Fraser and Sam Oakhill were named Tournament MVPs, while Player of the Day awards went to Jack Elliott and Elena Fraser.

The success didn’t stop there. The 2nd team also went unbeaten, securing top seed for the National Shield. This success makes promise for the teams highest ever finish at a BUCS championship. Player of the Day honours went to Jodie Vaughan, who scored her first-ever BUCS goal, while Liv Cowdy was named Tournament MVP and top goal scorer across the entire day.

With momentum building across all squads, Leeds Beckett University now looks ahead to the national championships with confidence and ambition. We wish our Korfball teams, and all Beckett athletes, the very best of luck as they continue an outstanding season.

Next up for our Leeds Beckett athletes is the BUCS Nationals, taking place in Sheffield over the weekend of 13–15 Feb.

Good luck to our Athletics team competing at BUCS Indoors, our Swim team competing at Ponds Forge in the Long Course Championships, and Beckett Sport Scholars Jamie Jenkins and Sean Henchion, who are competing in the Climbing Championships.

Another big weekend ahead, we’re right behind you all.

More information on venues and timings here: BUCS Nationals

Editor: Holly Graham (Beckett Sport Marketing Ambassador and Leeds Beckett University Journalism Student)
Photo credit: BUCS