It is time to cheer on members of the BU community as they compete, or present, at the Paralympic Games in Paris this Summer. Let's meet the BU team...
Leo McCrea
Leo is a first year student and sports scholar at BU, competing in his first Paralympic Games representing Switzerland in para swimming. Watch Leo's story:
Liam McGarry
Liam is a BU graduate, competing in para powerlifting. Since graduating from his Sports Psychology and Coaching course at BU in 2020, Liam has gone on to compete at various Commonwealth and World Championships, this will be his first Paralympic Games.
Speaking of his chances ahead of his first Paralympic Games, Liam said, “I think the greatest achievement is making the Games, because not only have I done it within seven years of having a life-changing injury and at my first attempt, but I’ve also done it having has 31 surgeries in a three-year cycle.
“I'm a I'm a little rugged character from Dartford with a massive heart, if the chance arises, I'll make sure I'm in the best possible shape to put my name in the mix and I'll be putting pressure on all the big boys to make sure they're at the top of their a game and they know that there's a young kid with a massive heart snapping at their heels if they're not.”
Lucy Shuker
Lucy received an honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University in 2017 and will be competing at her fifth Paralympic Games representing Team GB in wheelchair tennis. At Paris in 2024, Lucy (pictured, left) has been chosen as one of Team GB's flagbearers.
Speaking ahead of the Games, Lucy said, "Qualifying for my 5th Paralympic Games is a proud moment and having another opportunity to represent Great Britain on a global stage is a huge honour. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that wheelchair tennis has given me and the doors it has opened. I hope that people are able to see me competing at the Paralympic Games and be encouraged to pick up a racket and enjoy all the incredible benefits of our sport, especially those that like me once, might be struggling to come to terms with a new way of life."
Alice Tai
Another honorary doctorate recipient, Alice Tai was awarded by BU in 2022 for her contribution to sport, and will also be competing in para swimming.
Milly Pickles
BU Marketing graduate Milly Pickles has been announced as one of the presenters for Channel 4 as they cover the Paralympic Games 2024.
Good luck to all those taking part - we'll be cheering you on!
