Sunderland College A-Level student Olivia Reid is hoping for more medal glory this year after stepping up to English Karate’s U21/Senior Kata squad.
The History, Psychology and Politics student has excelled both in her sport since joining the college’s Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, ranking in the top 200 in the world, performing the Kata in Italy and Croatia as well as picking up a host of medals in national competitions with her club, JS Karate Academy.
Olivia has also been coached by Olympic and World Championships bronze medallist Grace Lau who passed on a wealth of knowledge and guidance to the young karateka.
After turning 18, she has moved into the senior ranks, where she will compete against some of the best martial artists from across the globe at European and World Championships.
The young athlete from Consett, said: “Over the past two years I’ve been very lucky to be part of the England Karate team which has offered me unique experiences such as travelling to places I would never have seen, meeting people from all over the world and being exposed to new cultures in a competitive environment.
“I love competing and giving my all on the big stage. As I have turned 18, I look forward to facing the very best as I move into the senior’s category so let’s see what the future brings.
“I am very pleased with how I am progressing in my studies and towards my sporting goals at Sunderland College.”
Olivia’s commitment to her sport and studies has also led to being nominated for the Association of College’s (AoC) Student Performer of the Year award by her sports coaches and lecturers at Sunderland College.
Carl Jones, Tass Dual-Career Coordinator, added: “Olivia is a remarkable young person and embodies exactly what we look for in our student-athletes.
“To be regularly selected to represent her country around the world is an amazing achievement and she fully deserves this recognition.
“Olivia is an academically gifted student and is doing well to balance studying her A-Levels with her sporting success. She is a great role model, inspires others, and we are proud she represents Sunderland College and our TASS programme.”
Sunderland College became a TASS dual-career accredited provider in 2018 recognising its commitment to reach their potential in education while achieving success in sport.
TASS student-athletes have access to strength and conditioning coaches at Martin Nugent Elite Performance at Bede Campus who take their training to the next level.
Olivia has worked closely with the team at Bede Campus in addition to taking part in lifestyle workshops with Youth Sport Nutrition and UDA Psychological Services to help her prepare for training and competitions.
Martin Nugent said: “Olivia is an outstanding athlete with a first-class attitude towards her development. Her success comes as no surprise to us here at MN Elite Performance as Olivia has excelled during her time with us.
“Keep up the good work Olivia.”
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Students at Sunderland College are celebrating making the grade after collecting their A-Level, T Level and vocational results.
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98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
