Former Oaklands students going for gold in Olympic final

All eyes are on ex-students and Oaklands Athletics Academy stars Daryll Neita and Ojie Edoburun as they take centre stage in Rio to bring it home for Britain in the Olympic 100m Relay finals this weekend. 

Former Oaklands student Daryll Neita who progressed through the college’s Emerging Athlete Support Programme and resided at St Albans Campus, will compete with fellow team mates in the Women’s 4x100m relay final and Ojie Edioburun in the Men’s 4x100m Relay Final. 

Both will compete alongside some of the world’s top athletes in the hope of adding of Team GB’s ever-growing glittering medal collection in what is proving to be Team GB’s most successful away games yet.

20 year-old Daryll who originates from London, and Ojie, also 20 from North London, graduated from the college just last year in 2015. As an Oaklands Wolves, they took advantage of the college’s dedicated expert coaching and support services to continue education in tandem with achieving potential in a chosen sporting expertise. 

The duo are not the only Oaklands Alumni to make it to Team GB in Rio this year – also competing in this year’s games are Paralympic London 2012 bronze medal winner Olivia Breen and England Hockey Team’s Hannah McLeod who will battle it out in the Women’s Hockey final this evening. 

Oaklands Principal Zoe Hancock said: “We are incredibly proud of all the sporting achievements of our former pupils, but to have someone excel to Olympic Finalist level is just incredible. 

“Not only is it a testament to both Darryl and Ojie’s hard work and determination, but it also reflects on the fantastic support of our specialist coaches. Whatever happens –  home-grown Olympic talent is a great inspiration to both our students and the wider community.”