It’s official – the University of Hull has the fastest 200m student in Europe.

Andrew Morgan-Harrison fought off tough competition at the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) national indoor championships, which took place in Sheffield from 14-16 February, to clinch the gold medal.

Andrew, who is currently on the BSc Sport Rehabilitation course at the University, stormed to a personal best time of 20.66 seconds in the 200m event.

The time means he is currently first in Europe in the standings, and the third fastest student in the world.

Andrew is also a recipient of the University’s Talented Athlete Programme (TAP), which supports elite athletes as they combine academic and sporting excellence during their time at University. Those on the programme receive financial support, all-inclusive fitness centre membership, priority when scheduling training times, a bespoke training plan, and lifestyle/nutrition advice. The University of Hull is committed to ensuring elite student athletes are able to compete at the highest level, whilst studying for a world-class degree. Each year we award a number of elite sports scholarship packages to selected high performing athletes, who demonstrate aspirations to progress and achieve high levels of success within their chosen sport. The Talented Athlete Programme recognises the individuality of each athlete, and that needs differ from sport to sport. The programme is understanding of this and provides a unique approach that tailors each scholarship to the needs of the athlete.

With sights set firmly on representing Team GB at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Andrew has overcome an injury during his second year studying in Hull, and is now sprinting faster than ever.

He said: “The Talented Athlete Programme has benefitted me in many ways. From giving me access to outstanding facilities, to providing me with physiotherapists that I see on a regular basis which really helped when I was going through an injury in my second year at university.”

Andy’s story: “I started athletics after my primary school headteacher told me I should get involved with a club after winning multiple sports days at school. I wasn’t sure about the idea at first but I gradually came to love the sport and have been competing for 10 years so far, with the best still yet to come.

My biggest achievement to date is winning the British Indoor Championships in February and representing England on numerous occasions, the most memorable being in Austria where I also won the competition. I have many short-term goals such as winning BUCS and other national level competitions as well as more international appearances this season. Then my ultimate goal which is to be selected for the 2024 Olympics, which my coach thinks is realistic based on my current performances and the progression I am showing”.

Words by Tina Wardropper