Students at Carnegie School of Sport work with Elite Athletes

As a Sports and Exercise Physiology Masters student, I get to experience the best of both worlds at the Carnegie School of Sport. Not only am I advancing my studies, but I also work as a Lab Technician, teaching students how to use our state-of-the-art equipment. One of the highlights of my role is supporting elite athletes, like Olympic gold and silver medallist triathlete Georgia Taylor-Brown, when she uses our facilities.

When I was exploring universities, Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett really stood out to me. The campus felt open and spacious, and everyone I met was friendly and approachable. The new Carnegie School of Sport building was just about to open, and that was a big draw for me. I was excited about the course because it offered a good mix of academic and hands-on learning. The lectures are interactive, and the faculty members are experts in their fields, which makes the learning experience even more enriching.

One of the biggest advantages of studying here is the access to world-class facilities. Before I enrolled, I already knew the calibre of athletes who train here and the ground-breaking research our academics are involved in. Seeing elite athletes like the Brownlee's using the same equipment we use for our seminars and lessons is incredibly motivating. It reassures me that the tools and resources available to us are top-notch and will prepare me well for my future career.

In my role as a Lab Technician, I've had the chance to support Georgia Taylor-Brown and the GB Triathlon team in our environmental chambers. It's been fascinating to set the conditions they needed, monitor their sessions, and provide support as required. Although her coaches handle the actual training, being part of the behind-the-scenes team has given me invaluable insights into how professionals care for top athletes. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in my studies, especially for my Professional Practice module. Reflecting on my personal insights and initiative during these sessions has been a key part of my learning.

A defining moment for me was during my dissertation research. I was working independently in the environmental chambers, leading my own experiments, testing people, and taking blood samples. In those moments, I felt like a true physiologist, fully immersed in my work and loving every minute of it.

Being a student at the Carnegie School of Sport has provided me with unique opportunities to blend academic learning with practical experience. Training and researching in the same facilities used by Olympians and elite athletes has been an incredible journey, preparing me for a successful career in sports science and exercise physiology.