Athletics Academy alumni dominate in Dubai

DUBAI — Oaklands College were delighted to follow the continued success of its Athletics Academy alumni this month, at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai. 

Oaklands College were represented by two former Athletics Academy graduates, as Olivia Breen and Maria Lyle took to the World stage to once again showcase their raw talent.

Olivia Breen, who shone at the 2018 Hold Coast Commonwealth Games with Gold in the T38 Long Jump, managed to claim another medal in Dubai, achieving a Bronze medal and narrowly missing out on Bronze in the T38 100m, finishing in fourth place.

Olivia, who was targeting the Gold medal after battling back to form after a year of injury said: “I came into this competition ranked third, so it means a lot to win the bronze medal. All of the hard work has paid off”

Meanwhile, Scottish sprinter and Team GB star Maria Lyle, a para-sport athlete predominantly competing in T35 sprint events, went one better on the Silver medal she won at the 2018 Commonwealth Games by winning the 100m and 200m, earning her the title as double World Champion in Dubai.

Remarkably, ahead of the competition, 19-year-old Maria had already amassed an impressive six individual global medals, before leaving the Middles East with two more.

Maria is a true inspiration to all students at Oaklands College, having overcome personal issues with depression and anxiety and far-exceeding her expectations in Dubai.

Maria was quoted saying: “It shows how far I have come from last year. I now enjoy life and enjoy training and racing, so from that perspective, it’s a really good achievement for me!”

If you have been inspired by the wonderful achievements of our Athletics Academy alumni, you can learn more about the programme here.