Despite taking place amid COVID-19, the Tokyo Olympics were a huge success.
The excitement, audience participation and athletic achievements exceeded all expectations and gave us all a welcome distraction after a challenging few years.
All ten of our Ulster University participants did us proud, showing an elite level of talent, dedication and commitment to their disciplines.
A special mention must go to the success of the Irish boxing team, who brought home two medals. Belfast man Aidan Walsh defeated Merven Clair to guarantee himself a medal and remains delighted with his achievement, despite being unable to compete in the semi-final due to an ankle injury. Dubliner Kellie Harrington claimed gold in the lightweight division, with a brilliant unanimous points win in the final.
We are proud that Ulster University alumni Damian Martin, who worked as a Boxing Physiologist and Dr Sharon Madigan, who acted as Performance Nutritionist, influenced this success in supporting the boxing team. Their devotion and expertise to the athletes helped their incredible performances.
With the Paralympics happening in just a few short weeks and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games taking place in a year, we look forward to celebrating the future successes that have come through the Ulster University doors.
What a summer of sport it has been!