Gold and world-record time for Geography student in Paris
05 September 2024
Celebrations are in order for all at the University of Reading after student Ed Fuller won gold for ParalympicsGB in Paris.
At just 21 years old, Ed and his teammates came first in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four event – ahead of the USA and France.
Ed competed in the final on Sunday, 1 September after setting a world-record time in the heats on Friday, 30 August, when the team rowed home in 6:43.68.
Funded by the University of Reading Sporting Excellence Scholarship, Ed, from Exeter, was able to participate in the Games after opting to study for his Geography degree part-time.
This has enabled Ed, who has haemophilia, to train regularly at Reading University Boat Club and with his ParalympicsGB teammates.
Reflecting on the team’s victory, Ed said: “Studying at Reading meant I was able to train with an amazing team of coaches and colleagues who all helped me get to where I am today.
“Winning gold means so much to me, my family and my friends. I have won titles before but finishing first at the Paralympics is the ultimate dream come true.
“I’m so proud of myself and my team for all our hard work. I would like to thank everyone at the University of Reading for showing faith in me – from being selected for the Sporting Excellence Scholarship to the support shown by my lecturers, coaches and teammates.”
ParalympicsGB’s mixed coxed four success makes it 14 years unbeaten and extends the longest winning streak in British sport.
Dr Stuart Black, Head of School of School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, said: "We are so proud of Ed. He is an extremely disciplined and dedicated individual who has shown us all the value of hard work during his time at Reading. We can't wait to welcome him back so we can celebrate his fantastic achievement."
Will Rand, Director of Rowing at Reading University Boat Club, said: "We all knew what Ed was capable of before he went to Paris and we are so pleased he's now shown the world what he can do. Ed has been a joy to work with during his time at the University. I'm looking forward to working with him to inspire the next generation of rowers at Reading."
Images via ParalympicGB Flickr. Credit: imagecomms.
Top image: Ed Fuller (second from left) celebrates with teammates.
Middle and bottom images: Ed Fuller (front) rows for ParalympicsGB.
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