Cardiff Metropolitan University has once again made its mark on the Olympic stage, with current athletes, graduates, and staff contributing to a string of impressive performances and vital behind-the-scenes roles at the Paris 2024 Games, with more to come at the Paralympics later this month. From medal-winning moments to crucial support roles, the Cardiff Met community has much to celebrate.
Helen Glover adds another silver to her collection
Cardiff Met graduate Helen Glover has further cemented her legacy in Olympic history, adding a silver medal to her already glittering collection. Helen, who joined Tom Daley as Team GB’s flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony, was competing in the Women’s Four Team Rowing event. Glover and the GB team delivered a thrilling performance, finishing just behind the Netherlands in a dramatic race. This latest achievement adds to the gold medals she won in London (2012) and Rio (2016). When asked about her future, Glover, who has inspired countless young athletes, hinted that she may not be done yet, leaving the door open for another shot at Olympic glory in four years.
Bronze medal for Jeremiah Azu
Cardiff Met linked athlete, Jeremiah Azu, who trained and received coaching at the University played a pivotal role in Team GB’s impressive performance in the 4 x 100m Relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics, leading the team to a bronze medal. Azu, alongside Louie Hinchliffe, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, and Zharnel Hughes, delivered a season’s best time of 37.61 seconds in a fiercely competitive final.
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers’ journey to Olympic Quarter-Final
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, the only GB Sevens player to have competed in three Olympic Games, saw her medal hopes dashed as Team GB lost their women’s rugby sevens quarter-final 17-7 to the USA. Despite the result, Joyce-Butchers, known for her try-scoring prowess, delivered a standout performance, including a textbook tackle that remains a highlight of the tournament.
Gareth Baber guides Fiji to silver in Men’s Rugby Sevens
Gareth Baber, current Cardiff Met Director of Rugby Systems, helped steer the Fiji Men’s Rugby 7’s team to a silver medal following a 27-7 loss to Olympic hosts France. The team did sensational getting to their second consecutive Olympic Gold Medal match. In the last Olympics, the Welshman led the islanders to only their second-ever Olympic Gold medal at the Tokyo Games following a 27-12 win over New Zealand in the final.
Rosie Eccles faced quarter-final heartbreak in boxing
Rosie Eccles, who holds both a BSc (Hons) and an MSc in Sports Psychology from Cardiff Met representing GB in women’s boxing lost a challenging and controversial quarter-final match. Despite the surprise loss, Eccles’ performance was nothing short of inspiring, but she was unable to repeat her Commonwealth Gold and Silver medals, as well as a European Championships Silver and Bronze medalist. Not only is she a powerhouse in the ring, Rosie’s also a Cardiff Met alumna.
Ben Breakspear referees Rugby Sevens in Paris
Cardiff Met Sports Management alumnus Ben Breakspear overcame injury setbacks to achieve his dream of refereeing at Paris. Ben did himself proud with great performances refereeing several games in Paris.
Support roles and behind-the-scenes success
The impact of Cardiff Met at the Paris Games extends beyond the athletes on the field.
Richard Owen’s expertise leads Canada to Rugby 7’s silver
Behind the scenes, Richard Owen, a graduate of Cardiff Met’s MSc in Sports Performance Analysis, played a crucial role in helping the Canadian Women’s Rugby 7’s team secure a silver medal. As a Performance Analyst, Owen’s contributions were key to the team’s success, highlighting the impact Cardiff Met graduates continue to have on the global sports stage.
Sam Marshall, a graduate and former staff member, provided performance analysis for the Australian Women’s Hockey team as they reached the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Rhiana Galvin supported GB Women’s Hockey as a performance analyst. The team also reached the quarter-finals.
Julia Wells, a former student, played a crucial role as Head of Performance for the UK Sports Institute, overseeing the work of GB analysts, many of whom are recent graduates from Cardiff Met’s Sports Performance Analysis program.
Jana Pacyna, a recent Sport Management graduate and current Sport Development Officer for German Hockey, and Joe Towns, Innovation Lead for Sport Broadcast Media, have also made significant contributions. Towns served as a Senior Television Producer for Olympic Broadcast Services (OBS), overseeing live TV coverage from the International Broadcast Centre in Paris.
