A place to talk about the build up to London 2012, find out how you can get involved and share what you're looking forward to (or not) the most.
Photo by: cmaccubbin's photostream
How you achieve Gold in record time
Four bestselling talent developments books - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle, Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin, and Bounce by Matthew Syed - have the same message at their core: success equals 10 years or 10,000 hours of 'deliberate practice' and the right opportunities.
Helen Glover's story challenges some of these assumptions - until four years ago she had never picked up an oar. She and Heather Stanning won Britain first gold medal of the London Olympics in the women's rowing pair.
"I only started rowing in 2008 when I got through the Sporting Giants scheme where I was basically chosen for being tall and sporty," Helen said of UK Sport's talent-spotting process that fast-tracked her to success.
Glover & Stanning's medal cabinet
- 2010 - World Championships, Lake Karapiro - silver
- 2011 - World Championships, Bled - silver , World Cup, Lucerne - gold , World Cup, Munich - gold
- 2012 - World Cup, Belgrade - gold , World Cup, Lucerne - gold , World Cup, Munich - gold , Olympics, London - gold
2012 - World Cup, Belgrade - gold , World Cup, Lucerne - gold , World Cup, Munich - gold , Olympics, London - gold
"They tested 4,500 of us in groups of 200 at a time. I remember sitting in a room in Bisham Abbey in 2007 and someone saying: 'A gold medallist in 2012 could be sat in this room. Look around you.' I thought: 'Right, I'm going to make that me.' It was quite surreal."
Challenging the theory
Glover's experience of making gold with four years of training questions the 10 year theory which originally derives from the research of Anders Ericsson in the early 1990s.
The appeal of his and others' message is its simplicity. You can become a champion simply with a strong work ethic and the right environment. These authors suggest that talent is overrated, downplaying the importance of natural giftedness - for them it is more about determination and hard work.
The 10,000 hour rule, as it is known, roughly equates to ten years (20 hours x 50 weeks x 10 years) of perspiration to get to the top. Little wonder these books are popular in the business community. But does it still add up? Practice makes perfect?
It is a truism that we all improve with practice but advocates of the 10,000 hour rule go further: it is the quality of practice that is important.
Few would disagree that the ability to work persistently at weaknesses, respond to feedback and set backs whilst refining the different components of your sport is more important than just playing a lot. It also follows that excellent coaching is also needed as well as a deep seated desire to continually improve.
Helen Glover recognises the importance of coaches Paul Stannard and Miles Forbes-Thomas who shaped her initial development and Robin Williams who has made refinements in the last two years.
"Coming into rowing so quickly has been a whirlwind. I've been really lucky to have had world-class coaches throughout my time," she says.
However, there is controversy about the precise quantity of practice, since the 10,000 hour rule was derived by Ericsson asking musicians in 1993 to retrospectively recall their practice behaviour - less than reliable methodology. It is hardly surprisingly then that the theory falls under scrutiny in the new OU stage 3 module Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development starting in 2013.
Helen Glover's story supports increasing evidence that athletes change from one sport to another reaching international level sometimes in under two years. Tall athletes in the UK and Australia are transferring to high levels in sports such as handball, volleyball and rowing with only 3,000-5,000 hours of practice.
From athletics to skeleton bobsleigh, from rowing to cycling - multiple cases of this nature simply blows the 10,000 hour rule out of the water, leading to pointed comments that the convenient round number of 10,000 hours is little more than a 'nice motivational tool'.
Reductionism
Critics of the 10,000 hour rule claim it has fallen prey to the scientific tendency towards reductionism: breaking a process down into constituent parts in order to better understand it. By downplaying the natural genetic aspects of sport in favour of a nurturist perspective the complexity of becoming a champion is oversimplified.
Ericsson's research came nearly two decades before the landmark 2011 findings by Claude Bouchard on genetically determined responses to training. The fitness levels of hundreds of untrained volunteers were measured before and after five months of training.
The response in VO2max - a measure of aerobic capacity and performance - was enormously varied. Some individuals improved by less than 5% whilst others improved by 30%. Bouchard identified genetic variants responsible for this difference.
Genes clearly play a big role in determining ideal body size and muscle fibre types for different sports, such as basketball, rugby or gymnastics but recent research shows that genes have another influence.
Sports scientist Ross Tucker suggests that certain genes are associated with injury. He argues some people could never reach 10,000 hours because of their susceptibility to injury at only, say, six hours per week of training.
An interactionist approach
When is comes to talent, more and more experts now believe that the original genetic differences between us may be relatively modest but practice and psychological factors do the rest. There is a complex interaction at play.
Athletes who show an innate ability realise they are good at something and consequently intensify their playful practice, enjoying their superiority. Their appetite and success thus continues on an upward trajectory, particularly if they are fortunate in having the right motivational environment and opportunity to thrive with a good coach.
Helen Glover's rapid rise to gold demonstrates that a strong work ethic and the necessary psychological characteristics can combine with potent effect as long as the athlete has the right physical requirements in the first place.
This article was adapted from Ben Oakley’s piece on BBC World Olympic Dreams.
Looking back at an amazing sporting summer in 2012, Ben Oakley, Senior Lecturer in sports studies explores the implications of rower, Helen Glover's journey to gold in only four years for a new OU module on athletic development being produced as part of the BSc Sport, Fitness and Coaching. Four bestselling talent developments books - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, The Talent ...
Celebration event for London 2012 OU students
The event, on Friday 30 November 2012, saw medallists present and past, Games makers, torch bearers and supporters gather with the Mayor of Milton Keynes Councillor Catriona Morris at the Hub Lecture Theatre, on the OU's Walton Hall campus in Milton Keynes.
The audience, including many OU staff, heard inspirational speeches from Alan Campbell, bronze medal winner for rowing this summer; and from OU honorary graduate Dame Mary Peters who won gold in the Pentathlon at Munich 40 years before.
Alan joined fellow 2012 athletes Etienne Stott (gold, canoe slalom) and Helen Richardson and Alex Danson (both bronze, hockey) for an informative Q&A session covering many topics including personal motivation and how sport and study with the OU can mix.
Then, with the Vice-Chancellor Martin Bean, Dame Mary unveiled a plaque recognising the summer’s landmark events.
Here’s what just one of those present said about the event: “I came away absolutely buzzing. It was brilliant, inspired and inspiring.”
And if you missed, it you can see the event video on Stadium.
Pictured, from left, are Alex Danson, Dame Mary Peters, Martin Bean, Helen Richardson, Etienne Stott, and Alan Campbell.
The OU hosted an Olympic/Paralympic celebration event to mark the achievements of OU students and alumni who competed at London 2012. The event, on Friday 30 November 2012, saw medallists present and past, Games makers, torch bearers and supporters gather with the Mayor of Milton Keynes Councillor Catriona Morris at the Hub Lecture Theatre, on the OU's Walton Hall campus in ...
Meet OU student and Paralympic medal winner Deborah Criddle
As a key speaker at the recent OU Disability Conference 2012, she shared her experiences as an athlete and how she copes with her disability day to day.
In the video find out how she juggles study and training and how the OU travels with her when competing, even in the form of rocks for a Geology project.
Find out more:
Deb Criddle recently won a team Gold and two individual Silver medals in Equestrian at the Paralympics, London 2012. She is currently studying with the OU for a Natural Sciences degree and is simply an inspiration. As a key speaker at the recent OU Disability Conference 2012, she shared her experiences as an athlete and how she copes with her disability day to ...
OU student athletes selected for national sports scholarship programme
Eight student athletes from The Open University in Scotland have been selected for Winning Students, Scotland’s national sports scholarship programme - including Olympic athlete Imogen Bankier, from Glasgow, who competed in the badminton doubles at London 2012.
Imogen says: “I enjoy studying through The Open University as it gives me a focus outside of my badminton, and I enjoy learning while I have some time away from training. Being a student and playing badminton at this level isn't easy, but I wouldn't have one without the other and selection for Winning Students has allowed me to do both well."
The other OU students selected for Winning Students are: Angus Gilmour (badminton), Jillie Cooper (badminton), Kieran Merrilees (badminton), Martin Campbell (badminton), Paul van Rietvelde (badminton), Robert Blair (badminton) and Lucy Ellis (swimming).
The OU in Scotland students will join more than 150 talented athletes who will receive tailored support this academic year to combine their training with study.
Find out more:
Eight student athletes from The Open University in Scotland have been selected for Winning Students, Scotland’s national sports scholarship programme - including Olympic athlete Imogen Bankier, from Glasgow, who competed in the badminton doubles at London 2012. Imogen says: “I enjoy studying through The Open University as it gives me a focus outside of my badminton, and I ...
Olympic Gold in record time
Four bestselling talent developments books - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle, Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin, and Bounce by Matthew Syed - have the same message at their core: success equals 10 years or 10,000 hours of 'deliberate practice' and the right opportunities.
Helen Glover's story challenges some of these assumptions - until four years ago she had never picked up an oar. She and Heather Stanning won Britain first gold medal of the London Olympics in the women's rowing pair.
"I only started rowing in 2008 when I got through the Sporting Giants scheme where I was basically chosen for being tall and sporty," Helen said of UK Sport's talent-spotting process that fast-tracked her to success.
Glover & Stanning's medal cabinet
- 2010 - World Championships, Lake Karapiro - silver
- 2011 - World Championships, Bled - silver , World Cup, Lucerne - gold , World Cup, Munich - gold
- 2012 - World Cup, Belgrade - gold , World Cup, Lucerne - gold , World Cup, Munich - gold , Olympics, London - gold
"They tested 4,500 of us in groups of 200 at a time. I remember sitting in a room in Bisham Abbey in 2007 and someone saying: 'A gold medallist in 2012 could be sat in this room. Look around you.' I thought: 'Right, I'm going to make that me.' It was quite surreal."
Challenging the theory
Glover's experience of making gold with four years of training questions the 10 year theory which originally derives from the research of Anders Ericsson in the early 1990s.
The appeal of his and others' message is its simplicity. You can become a champion simply with a strong work ethic and the right environment. These authors suggest that talent is overrated, downplaying the importance of natural giftedness - for them it is more about determination and hard work.
The 10,000 hour rule, as it is known, roughly equates to ten years (20 hours x 50 weeks x 10 years) of perspiration to get to the top. Little wonder these books are popular in the business community. But does it still add up?
Practice makes perfect?
It is a truism that we all improve with practice but advocates of the 10,000 hour rule go further: it is the quality of practice that is important.
Few would disagree that the ability to work persistently at weaknesses, respond to feedback and set backs whilst refining the different components of your sport is more important than just playing a lot. It also follows that excellent coaching is also needed as well as a deep seated desire to continually improve.
"Coming into rowing so quickly has been a whirlwind. I've been really lucky to have had world-class coaches throughout my time," she says.
Controversy over the 'time' needed to practice
However, there is controversy about the precise quantity of practice, since the 10,000 hour rule was derived by Ericsson asking musicians in 1993 to retrospectively recall their practice behaviour - less than reliable methodology. It is hardly surprisingly then that the theory falls under scrutiny in the new OU stage 3 module Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development starting in 2013.
Helen Glover's story supports increasing evidence that athletes change from one sport to another reaching international level sometimes in under two years. Tall athletes in the UK and Australia are transferring to high levels in sports such as handball, volleyball and rowing with only 3,000-5,000 hours of practice.
From athletics to skeleton bobsleigh, from rowing to cycling - multiple cases of this nature simply blows the 10,000 hour rule out of the water, leading to pointed comments that the convenient round number of 10,000 hours is little more than a 'nice motivational tool'.
Reductionism
Critics of the 10,000 hour rule claim it has fallen prey to the scientific tendency towards reductionism: breaking a process down into constituent parts in order to better understand it. By downplaying the natural genetic aspects of sport in favour of a nurturist perspective the complexity of becoming a champion is oversimplified.
Ericsson's research came nearly two decades before the landmark 2011 findings by Claude Bouchard on genetically determined responses to training. The fitness levels of hundreds of untrained volunteers were measured before and after five months of training.
The response in VO2max - a measure of aerobic capacity and performance - was enormously varied. Some individuals improved by less than 5% whilst others improved by 30 per cent. Bouchard identified genetic variants responsible for this difference.
Genes clearly play a big role in determining ideal body size and muscle fibre types for different sports, such as basketball, rugby or gymnastics but recent research shows that genes have another influence.
Sports scientist Ross Tucker suggests that certain genes are associated with injury. He argues some people could never reach 10,000 hours because of their susceptibility to injury at only, say, six hours per week of training.
An interactionist approach
When is comes to talent, more and more experts now believe that the original genetic differences between us may be relatively modest but practice and psychological factors do the rest. There is a complex interaction at play.
Athletes who show an innate ability realise they are good at something and consequently intensify their playful practice, enjoying their superiority. Their appetite and success thus continues on an upward trajectory, particularly if they are fortunate in having the right motivational environment and opportunity to thrive with a good coach.
Helen Glover's rapid rise to gold demonstrates that a strong work ethic and the necessary psychological characteristics can combine with potent effect as long as the athlete has the right physical requirements in the first place.
This article was adapted from Ben Oakley’s piece on BBC World Olympic Dreams.
Find out more:
- Olympic success in the OU community
- OU student Deborah Criddle wins two Paralympic medals
- More from the OU community at the London Games 2012
* Details of this course will appear on study with the OU soon.
Photo by: photoverulam
Looking back at an amazing sporting summer, Ben Oakley, Senior Lecturer Sports Studies explores the implications of Rower, Helen Glover's journey to gold in only four years for a new OU module (E313)* on athletic development being produced as part of the BSc Sport, Fitness and Coaching. Four bestselling talent developments books - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, The Talent ...
OU student Deborah Criddle wins three Paralympic medals
OU student Deborah Criddle won three medals - two individual silver and one team gold - in the dressage at the London 2012 Paralympics.
Deborah, who is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences, won silver in the Individual Dressage Championships Test – Grade III on her horse LJT Akilles, before taking the gold in the mixed team dressage alongside teammates Lee Pearson, Sophie Christiansen and Sophie Wells.
On winning her silver medal, Deborah - who very narrowly missed out on the individual gold – said: "He's (her horse) very sensitive and I didn't quite have the power in my right leg to get him back. There's more atmosphere out there today but that's what you've got to ride with.
“For the mistakes I made it was a pretty good score. I stopped moving my seat and he realised that. That happens and I'm pleased we got it back.”
Deborah is an extremely accomplished athlete who won an incredible three gold medals at the Athens Paralympic Games and two golds at the European Championships in 2011.
Martin Bean, Vice-Chancellor of the OU, said, “It has been a great summer for OU Olympians and Paralympians, and Deborah’s double really puts the icing on the cake. Her amazing achievement shows that flexible OU courses can be tailored to any individual – even allowing elite athletes to fit their studies around intense training schedules.”
With Deborah’s fantastic achievement, OU students have won seven medals in total at the London Games – three golds, one silver and three bronze.
A new sport-themed qualification has also launched this year, the BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness & Coaching, which expands the existing Foundation Degree in Sport & Fitness to full honours.
OU student Deborah Criddle won three medals - two individual silver and one team gold - in the dressage at the London 2012 Paralympics. Deborah, who is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences, won silver in the Individual Dressage Championships Test – Grade III on her horse LJT Akilles, before taking the gold in the mixed team dressage alongside teammates Lee Pearson, ...
Strong student Ken runs Paralympic powerlifting
Folkestone-based Ken, who is studying on the Sport and Fitness programme, received a NIACE Adult Learners' Award in 2011 for overcoming learning challenges including dyslexia.
A latecomer to education, he left school without qualifications but had a successful weightlifting career.
Among his many achievements is the world record for pulling the most number of cars (17) from a standing start over a distance of 30 feet.
Now a coach and fitness centre manager, Ken runs training camps at Stoke Mandeville National Centre for Disability Sport and is currently developing a new disabled-friendly gym.
Ken is pictured (right) with Kevin Daniels, a Royal Marine amputee and current British power lifting champion.
OU student and strongman Ken Wildman will be running the Powerlifting stage at the Paralympics. Folkestone-based Ken, who is studying on the Sport and Fitness programme, received a NIACE Adult Learners' Award in 2011 for overcoming learning challenges including dyslexia. A latecomer to education, he left school without qualifications but had a successful weightlifting ...
Volunteering at the Olympics: an insider's experience
Deciding to take the plunge
My ‘day job’ is as a Planning and Resources Manager for England (South) based in the London office in Camden Town. I have volunteered before but I have to say in a slightly altruistic way such as getting involved in PTAs at my children’s schools. So applying to be a Games Maker at the London Olympics was a whole different experience. I was keen to be involved as having lived in London for over thirty years I was very excited when we won the Olympics and saw volunteering as a great opportunity to be involved.
Mind you it was a long process – applications had to be in the early part of 2011, the interview was in June 2011 and I didn’t hear I had been selected until March of this year. But after attending two days training, picking up my uniform and accreditation I had been allocated 12 eight hour shifts (08:00-16:00 or 14:00 – 22:00) starting a week before the games began, so I was ready to go!
At work in the media centre
I think I was fortunate in being allocated an interesting role as a Media Conference Assistant in the Main Press Centre – the press village is a huge back of house operation I guess most spectators would be completely unaware of. I worked in a team of 12 Games Makers under the direction of our two lovely Team Leaders Craig and Amanda, and we ran the press conference rooms in the Main Press Centre. That involved – putting headsets out for the translation services, setting up name plates, making sure the soft drinks bottles had the labels displayed correctly (all part of those sponsorship deals), plus a bit of standing at doors smiling and greeting people and even picking up a bit of rubbish!
The best bit of the job
However the best bit was handling the mobile microphones for the journalists’ questions. That meant you were there when the press conferences were taking place, so really interesting to see famous athletes but equally interesting to see the less well known athletes and coaches. Additionally there was a large IOC/LOCOG briefing every day so a fascinating insight in the organisation of the Games. So it was a wonderful experience, sometimes it was manically busy and sometimes quiet, but being a press centre there were plenty of screens around showing Olympic sport to watch during the slacker times!
To sum it up
The atmosphere in the Olympic Park was just amazing, I worked with a great and diverse bunch of people and it felt very special to be part of the London Games. Having worked my volunteering around my day job I was quite tired when it all ended – but sad it was over but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Certainly given me a taste for volunteering and a thirst to be involved in another national event – but after a bit of a break I think!
Find out more:
The OU's Joanna Longville shares her once in a lifetime experience of volunteering at the Olympics..... Deciding to take the plunge My ‘day job’ is as a Planning and Resources Manager for England (South) based in the London office in Camden Town. I have volunteered before but I have to say in a slightly altruistic way such as getting involved in PTAs at ...
Olympics success in the OU community
Medal winners are:
- Dani King: Gold medal in sprint team pursuit cycling
Currently studying: Business Studies
- Helen Richardson: Bronze medal in women’s hockey
Currently studying: Psychology
- Alex Danson: Bronze Medal in women’s hockey
Currently studying: Open degree
- Etienne Stott: Gold medal in Canoe Slalom
On a course in 2012
Previous study: A graduate of University of Nottingham in Mechanical Engineering
- Alan Campbell Bronze medal in rowing (Men’s single sculls)
Open University Alumnus: Certificate in Business Studies
Great performances also came from: Katie Dawkins (synchronised swimming), Rosie Morris (water polo), Karen Carney (football), Liam Pitchford (table tennis), Imogen Bankier (badminton mixed doubles), Naomi Folkard (archery), Abigail Edmonds (canoe sprint), Rebecca Gallentree (women's 3m springboard, women's synchronised 3m springboard), Sophie Allen (swimming), Rory Warlow (shooting).
Our congratulations go to all those who have studied with The Open University and took part in the London 2012 Olympics. Medal winners are: Dani King: Gold medal in sprint team pursuit cycling Currently studying: Business Studies Helen Richardson: Bronze medal in women’s hockey Currently studying: Psychology Alex ...
OU students Alex Danson and Helen Richardson win bronze in the women’s hockey
OU students Alex Danson and Helen Richardson won a bronze medal in the women’s Olympic hockey.
Alex, who is working towards an open degree, scored the opening goal in the bronze medal play-off match which saw the team go on to beat New Zealand 3-1.
On winning the match and the medal, Alex told the Daily Mail: "Four days ago we thought our dreams were shattered, but bronze became our goal and we were not going to go away with anything less."
Helen, who is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, told the Nottingham Post: "It is incredible! I went to the Olympics in Sydney, in Beijing and I have always wanted a gold medal. It wasn't gold but to be able to call myself an Olympic medallist for the rest of my life, is, well, just so, so nice."
The bronze medal is the first Olympic medal won by a women's hockey team in 20 years, adding to the phenomenal success of the GB team who finished third in leader board, with an outstanding total of 65 medals – 29 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze.
The OU has seen a number of its students compete in the 2012 Olympic Games this summer including business studies student Dani King, who won gold as part of the women's team cycling pursuit, and psychology student Etienne Stott won gold in the canoe slalom.
Also competing were synchronised swimmer Katie Dawkins, badminton player Imogen Bankier, table tennis player Liam Pitchford, water polo player Rosie Morris, and archery competitor Naomi Folkard.
A new sport-themed qualification has also launched this year, the BSc (Hons) Sports, Fitness & Coaching, which expands the existing Foundation Degree in Sport & Fitness to full honours.
OU students Alex Danson and Helen Richardson won a bronze medal in the women’s Olympic hockey. Alex, who is working towards an open degree, scored the opening goal in the bronze medal play-off match which saw the team go on to beat New Zealand 3-1. On winning the match and the medal, Alex told the Daily Mail: "Four days ago we thought our dreams were shattered, but bronze became ...
OU student Dani rides to Olympic gold
Dani, 21, who is currently working towards a BA in Business Studies, smashed three world records in two days with her team mates to eventually win gold at the velodrome with a world record time of 3 mins 14.051 seconds.
An ecstatic Dani told the BBC, ‘We are like sisters, I couldn’t have done it without them, they were absolutely incredible and I can’t believe we have done it! It’s absolutely amazing!
The trio’s win on Saturday was part of a spectacular gold rush for team GB who won a remarkable six gold medals making it Britain’s greatest Olympics day since 1908. Team GB are currently third in the medals table behind China and the USA.
Gold medallists Dani King and Canoe Slalom champion Etienne Stott are two of a number of OU students currently competing in the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Also competing are Hockey player Alex Danson, synchronised swimmer Katie Dawkins, badminton player Imogen Bankier, table tennis player Liam Pitchford, water polo player Rosie Morris archery competitor Naomi Folkard and Equestrian dressage Paralympian Debbie Criddle.
Find out more:
- A new sport – themed qualification has also launched this year, the BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness & Coaching, which expands the existing Foundation Degree in Sport & Fitness to full honours.
- BBC Olympics - The team talk about their win
- Study BA Business Studies
Massive congratulations to OU student Dani King who has won gold in the women’s cycling team pursuit along with her team mates Joanna Rowsell and Laura Trott. Dani, 21, who is currently working towards a BA in Business Studies, smashed three world records in two days with her team mates to eventually win gold at the velodrome with a world record time of 3 mins 14.051 ...
OU student Etienne wins gold in the canoe slalom at Olympics
Etienne, a 31-year-old psychology student at the OU, got Team GB’s third gold medal of the day on 2 August 2012 in a thrilling race at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.
His achievements now take the Team GB medal tally to 13 and place the team fifth in the rankings.
Etienne, who went to school near Bedford, told BBC 3 Counties Radio that winning the gold was “a dream”. He told the local radio station: “We did feel the pressure but for me I thought we needed something to go right today. There is nothing taken for granted in this sport and getting to the final was amazing."
The pair’s win followed two days without medals for Team GB in the individual races at the canoe slalom, which takes place at the Hertfordshire course.
Newspaper Bedford Times & Citizen reported scenes of joy from the men at their victory, as they jumped in the water to celebrate.
The Open University has a number of high achieving sports people currently studying, with professional footballers, power lifters and cross country skiers among its undergraduates. A new sport-themed qualification has also launched this year, the BSc (Hons) Sports, Fitness & Coaching, which expands the existing Foundation Degree in Sport & Fitness to full honours.
Find out more:
Photo by: Paul Ramsdale
Open University student Etienne Stott has taken gold, along with his partner Tim Baillie, in the canoe slalom pairs at th London 2012 Olympics. Etienne, a 31-year-old psychology student at the OU, got Team GB’s third gold medal of the day on 2 August 2012 in a thrilling race at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. His achievements now take the Team GB medal tally to 13 and ...
Olympic cauldron lit by OU associate lecturer's son
Callum Airlee was one of the young British Athletes chosen to light the cauldron, selected for his commitment and dedication to sailing. He is the two time Optimist UK National Champion. Read the full story on BBC news.
Julie said "I think it is a case of feelings are beyond description - proud does not touch it.
"I think I will watch it a couple of times to know that it was not a dream and it was him. I think he is a bit like that."
Dr Julie Robson, Associate Lecturer in the Faculty of Science proudly watched as her son took part in the Olympic Opening ceremony. Callum Airlee was one of the young British Athletes chosen to light the cauldron, selected for his commitment and dedication to sailing. He is the two time Optimist UK National Champion. Read the full story on BBC news. Julie ...
OU graduate and award winner shares his Olympic torch story
Rakesh works as a retail duty manager for BP and was highly commended in the Alumni Award for Outstanding Contribution to an Organisation 2012 for using his MBA to support the business and increase sales.
Rakesh was also recognised personally for his achievements at work and helping to raise money for charity when he was selected to run with the Olympic torch through Bexley.
Here’s his story:
“The 22nd of July was an amazing day! It was one of the best days of my life; there was a great crowd, people were dancing in colourful dresses, and some of them were jumping towards me to touch the torch.
“On the day I met many other inspiring torchbearers like former world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis who sat next to me in the Olympic bus and kept telling me his great stories.
“Last year, Coca-Cola conducted a dedicated search with BP to recognise and reward the positive contributions made by people every day in the UK by giving them the opportunity to run with the Olympic flame.
“I was selected by my peers in BP because of my passion and ability to inspire happiness in others. I organised employees’ social event, inspired the store team to raise funds for a children’s hospital and supported the Movember campaign to make people aware of prostate cancer.
“Voluntarily, I work as a regional representative of BP Employee Forum to improve the communication between head office and store employees. I have also been honoured with an Open University alumni 2012 award for outstanding contribution for an organisation.
“I believe great goals can't be achieved without sacrifice, focus and a never give up attitude. Many years ago it was in my dream to be a part of an Olympic event now it’s a reality.”
Rakesh can be seen ruinning with the Olympic torch in this video, from 18:25 to 18:29.
OU graduate Rakesh Kumar, who was high commended in the Open University Business School Alumni Achievement Awards 2012, was also an Olympic torchbearer. Rakesh works as a retail duty manager for BP and was highly commended in the Alumni Award for Outstanding Contribution to an Organisation 2012 for using his MBA to support the business and increase sales. Rakesh was ...
Update on progress of OU students at the Olympics
If you've been watching the Olympics you may have seen some OU students taking part. There have been ups and downs so far. Here is an update on their progress.....
- Alex Danson, studying for an Open Degree
Part of Great Britain women's hockey team
2 matches won so far: 4-0 against Japan and 5-3 against Korea
Alex is the top goal scorer after scoring 3 goals so far.
Picked up an ankle injury in the last game but his fit now for the next match: Belgium v Great Britain 7pm, Thursday 2 August
- Katie Dawkins, studying Foundation Degree in sport, health and fitness
Synchronised swimming
Starts 3pm Thursday 9 August
- Imogen Bankier, studying BA in Social Sciences with Politics
Badminton mixed doubles
Lost first game and now out of the Olympics
- Dani King, studying BA Business Studies
Sprint team pursuit cycling
Starts at 4.56pm Friday 3 August
- Naomi Folkard (out of women's game/Olympics)
Archery
Produced memorable displays but lost. Now out of the Olympics
- Rosie Morris, studying BA/BSc Open Degree
Goalie in the women's water polo team
Lost first game to Russia, they play Australia 7.40pm Wednesday 1 August
Find out more:
OU students in the Olympics
Photo by: clemsfordblue's photostream
If you've been watching the Olympics you may have seen some OU students taking part. There have been ups and downs so far. Here is an update on their progress..... Alex Danson, studying for an Open Degree Part of Great Britain women's hockey team 2 matches won so far: 4-0 against Japan and 5-3 against Korea Alex is the top goal scorer after scoring 3 ...
Open University student involved in spectacular London 2012 Red Arrows display
Martin, is currently studying for a mathematics degree and fits his studies around a busy schedule.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Martin said: “The Olympic flypast could easily be the absolute pinnacle of my career as we go over the stadium and all of the Olympic live sites across the United Kingdom on the same day.
The 31-year-old joined the Royal Air Force in February 2000 as a non-graduate Direct Entrant Officer Cadet, and after progressing through the Force, more recently (in 2010), he became the 1(F) Sqn Qualified Flying Instructor and conducted the last sortie to honour the Harrier GR9 bow out of service.
Martin said: “I had always wanted to go into the Red Arrows. There’s six months of training, which is pretty intense, and a lot of hard work, but when you arrive to do to the displays you really see the fruits of your labour because the crowds absolutely love it.”
Open University mathematics student and Flight Lieutenant Martin Pert was part of the world-famous RAF Red Arrows team that flew over London's Olympic Stadium last night, just moments before the Games' stunning Opening Ceremony began. Read the full article on Podium. Martin, is currently studying for a mathematics degree and fits his studies around a busy ...
OU academics contribute to the Olympic buzz
Here's a quick round up of how OU academics are contributing to the Olumpics buzz...
"The Olympic Games present a site of change and transformation in social and economic relations and in political and cultural practices, as well as being part of the global economy," says the OU's Professor of Sociology Kath Woodward who talks about what's social about the Olympics.
An OU lecturer in sports and fitness, Simon Rea contributes to an article on 15 ways to test if you have Olympic potential.
Athletes such as Tom Daley and Jessica Ennis explain their mental preparation and pre-performance routines while the OU’s lectuer in sport and fitness Caroline Heaney offers some context.
And senior lecturer in sports studies, Ben Oakley looks at some of the leftfield factors that make a champion for an article for the BBC.
Here's a quick round up of how OU academics are contributing to the Olumpics buzz... "The Olympic Games present a site of change and transformation in social and economic relations and in political and cultural practices, as well as being part of the global economy," says the OU's Professor of Sociology Kath Woodward who talks about what's social about the Olympics. Read ...
Olympic torch travels through Milton Keynes
The Olympic flame lit up Milton Keynes today, the headquarters of The Open University.
The crowds were out in force to see the Olympic flame pass through the city centre and then onwards to Bletchley Park, a tribute to Alan Turing and the code breaking work which took place there.
One torch bearer Luke Webb, (pictured) was chosen for his voluntary and the challenges he has overcome which include gaining a degree despite illness and being severely dyslexic.
Find out more:
- Four OU students swap studies for the Olympics this summer
- OU Olympic torch bearer shares her experience
The Olympic flame lit up Milton Keynes today, the headquarters of The Open University. The crowds were out in force to see the Olympic flame pass through the city centre and then onwards to Bletchley Park, a tribute to Alan Turing and the code breaking work which took place there. One torch bearer Luke Webb, (pictured) was chosen for ...
Four OU students swap studies for the Olympics this summer
Four OU students have qualified for London 2012 and will have the honour of competing for Great Britain this summer.
The four Olympians – hockey player Alex Danson, synchronised swimmer Katie Dawkins, badminton player Imogen Bankier and cyclist Dani King – are all undergraduates at the OU and combine high level sporting excellence with the dedication of distance learning.
From business studies to politics and from sport to religion, the students are all utilising the OU’s flexible study methods, combined with the tough training regime required for competing at the highest level in their chosen discipline.
Alex Danson, a forward in the ladies GB hockey team, is nearing completion of an Open Degree and aims to become a teacher in the future.
'After lots of hard work I hope eventually to pick up my OU degree – in some way that will feel a bit like a podium moment'
Alex, whose team is ranked fourth in the world, has managed to fit her studies around her training, although now she admits the training is becoming more concentrated.
“Being a full-time sports woman is extremely demanding and in a different way studying with the OU is challenging too, but the tutor support is great and studying is something I really enjoy. After lots of hard work I hope eventually to pick up my OU degree – in some way that will feel a bit like a podium moment.
“The biggest thing that sport has taught me is to manage my time and that has helped with my studies. Being in a team it is even more important because nobody is going to wait for you if you’re late and you have to get things done.”
Swimmer Katie Dawkins, 23, has qualified for the GB synchronised team and will compete at the Aquatics Centre, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The Bristol-born swimmer is doing the Foundation Degree in Sport, Health and Fitness.
'I enjoy studying through the Open Uni as it gives me a focus outside of my badminton, and I enjoy learning while I have some time away from training'
She trains from 7am to 5pm and fits in her OU study at evenings and weekends. Talking of her selection to the Olympic synchro squad, Katie said: “It felt amazing and a little unreal when I got selected! All the hard work of the last five years has paid off and I am officially going to compete at a home Olympics. So exciting!”
Katie says she wants to compete in synchro for as long as possible and then I would like to become a primary teacher as I love children.
“I think being a sportswoman does help with study, I’m an organised person so I definitely think this helps as I like to have a plan for everything.”
Glaswegian badminton player Imogen Bankier, 24, is studying for a BA in Social Sciences with Politics and is studying with The Open University in Scotland. A player since the age of seven, she has qualified for the 2012 Olympics in the mixed doubles with Chris Adcock, with whom she won silver at the World Championships in 2011.
Imogen, who is preparing for the Games at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes, said: "I enjoy studying through the Open Uni as it gives me a focus outside of my badminton, and I enjoy learning while I have some time away from training."
'Universities play a vital role'
Cyclist Dani King – part of GB sprint pursuit team, is currently working towards a BA in Business Studies with the OU. She says universities play a “vital” role in providing technical support and inspiring people to “go on to be the best they can”.
The national, European and World Team Pursuit Cycling Champion is aiming for gold for Great Britain at 2012.
OU Director of Students Will Swann congratulated all the athletes, saying: “We are very proud that four Open University students are representing their nation at the Olympics. Every OU student needs real determination to succeed, balancing their studies with the rest of their lives. Alex, Katie, Imogen and Dani are great ambassadors for their university and their country.”
The Open University has a number of high achieving sports people currently studying, with professional footballers, power lifters and cross country skiers among its undergraduates. A new sport-themed course has also launched this year, a BSc (Hons) in Sports, Fitness & Coaching, which expands the existing Foundation Degree in Sport & Fitness to full honours.
Four OU students have qualified for London 2012 and will have the honour of competing for Great Britain this summer. The four Olympians – hockey player Alex Danson, synchronised swimmer Katie Dawkins, badminton player Imogen Bankier and cyclist Dani King – are all undergraduates at the OU and combine high level sporting excellence with the dedication of distance learning. From ...
Olympics competition: find the medals for a chance to win a camera
There are four medals (like the one pictured) hidden across Platform and each of them boasts a letter. Follow the clues to find the four medals, rearrange them to spell a word and then send an email to platform-competitions@open.ac.uk by no later than 31 August 2012 to let us know what it is.
Please make the subject of your email ‘Medals comp 2012’ and include your answer, full name and address. Correct entries will all be entered into a prize draw and the winner will receive a camera and accessory kit.
All the medals can be found on Platform, the OU's community website, but to make it a bit easier, as this is such a big site, with each medal there’ll be a clue included to help you find the next one.
Here’s the first clue to get you started… if you wanted to read regular ‘posts’ from Platform’s resident bloggers, you’d probably take a look at this page...
The prize is a Samsung ES17 camera.
Terms and conditions
This competition opens on 02/07/12 and closes on 31/08/2012. Prizes must be taken as offered and are not transferable or exchangeable for a cash equivalent. Only one entry per person. This competition is open to all. Entries must be received by 31 August 2012. The promoter accepts no responsibility for any entries that are incomplete, illegible, corrupted or fail to reach the promoter by the relevant closing date for any reason. The winners will be drawn and notified within 28 days of the competition closing. The name and home town of the winner will be published on Platform. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
As the nation gears up for the Olympics, Platform’s inviting you to join a medal hunt with the chance of winning a camera as part of our London Games 2012 competition. There are four medals (like the one pictured) hidden across Platform and each of them boasts a letter. Follow the clues to find the four medals, rearrange them to spell a word and then send an email to ...
