Jade and Harry make Teesside proud at the Gold Coast

Teesside University is celebrating after two of its students won places on the podium at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Two-time Paralympian and law student Jade Jones-Hall won gold for England in the para-triathlon after a dominant display. She led from start to finish in the 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km wheelchair race – securing a winning margin of nearly two minutes over Australian silver medallist Emily Tapp.

She then went on to take bronze in the Women's T54 Marathon and was closing ceremony flag-bearer for Team England.

Jade previously won silver in the T54 women’s race at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and represented Team GB in the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Mentored by Teesside University Honorary Graduate Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Jade switched from wheelchair racing to triathlon and has quickly established herself in her new sport.

On her 2018 Commonwealth success, Jade said: 'I’ve always wanted a go at triathlon and after Rio I decided that had to be the time to make the transition.

'The race went pretty much to plan but I’m going to pour over the splits and find a way to improve. It felt pretty good but I’m an athlete and I’m always critical of myself, even when I win.'

Meanwhile Harry Tanfield, 23, is celebrating after winning silver for England in the men’s individual time trial, finishing 30 seconds behind Australia’s Cameron Meyer.

Harry, who is studying towards a master’s in civil and structural engineering at Teesside University, rides for professional cycling team Canyon Eisberg and has previously competed in the Tour de Yorkshire and British National Circuit Race Series.

Harry said: 'It was great to represent my country, I have never done that before.'

Elsewhere swimmer and former Teesside University student, Aimee Willmott, landed Team England’s first gold of the Gold Coast, winning the 400m individual medley final.

Both Jade and Harry are current members of the University’s elite athlete scheme which provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to athletes at international level or with exceptional international potential. The scheme provides a comprehensive support package which is individually tailored to meet he needs of each person.

Athletes can access academic and sports science support such as physiological and biomechanical assessment, monitoring of training loads, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and sports psychology support.

The Commonwealth Games closing ceremony took place at the Carrara Stadium on Sunday 15 April.

---