Paralympian athlete Hannah Cockroft MBE has enjoyed an outstanding start to the athletics season after completing her first year as a student at Coventry University.

Halifax-born Hannah achieved new world records in the Women’s 100m and 200m T34 wheelchair races at the 2014 IPC Grand Prix in Switzerland in May – she also set a new world record at the 1,500m distance at the Bedford International Games earlier this month.

The 21-year-old, who won gold at the 100m and 200m distances at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, joined Coventry University’s sports scholarship scheme when she enrolled on its Journalism and Media course last year.

The sports scholarship scheme is designed for elite athletes like Hannah who wish to pursue academic qualifications while continuing to train for and participate in high level sporting competitions.

It offers dedicated support in the form of a cash bursary and a tailored range of support services including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, sports psychology, sports nutrition, mentoring, sports therapy and flexible study options.

Having completed her first year, Hannah is now focussing her attention on the racetrack before resuming her studies in the autumn.

Her next competitive outing will be at the 2014 US Paralympics Track and Field National Championships in San Mateo, California from June 20-22.

Cockroft said: “Coming to University as an elite athlete was never going to be easy but the scholarship provided some guidance and support to help me to balance my sport and study commitments.

“The staff work very professionally and dedicate themselves to the athletes to ensure that they can be successful in their studies, but also continue to be in top form for their competitive seasons. It’s great and I’m delighted with my recent race performances.”

Tom Shakespeare, sports development officer at Coventry University, said: “Hannah is without doubt a world class athlete and we are proud to have her as a sports scholar studying at Coventry University.

“She has achieved her success through a combination of talent, hard work and dedication but I’d also like to think that her recent accomplishments are testimony to the support and encouragement that she has received through our sports scholarship scheme.

“I’m sure Hannah will enjoy many more victories on the racetrack and we are looking forward to helping her to achieve her goals during her time with us.”

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