Hall of Fame
Swansea University has produced numerous talented sportsmen and women over the years, many of whom have gone on to represent their countries in international competitions. Some have been products of the "Elite Athletes" scholarship scheme, others have enhanced their potential as a result of the competitive and supportive environment here in Swansea.
This "virtual hall of fame" commemorates some of the University's highest achievers in the world of sport. A hall of fame has also been unveiled in foyer of Fulton House.
Alun Wyn JonesPlayed Rugby for Wales
Law, 2004 – Present
“Swansea University has enabled me to balance my education and training commitments and has provided me with a balance in life to obtain the highest achievements in both!”
Paul ThorburnCaptained and Played Rugby for Wales
Microbiology, 1982 - 1986
“without doubt, the turning point for me as far as my rugby aspirations were concerned, was when I joined Swansea University. As someone who had participated in a variety of sports at school and county level, the University provided the next step on the ladder, with excellent facilities, excellent coaching/support and of course a group of like minded individuals. I was lucky enough to join the University when we had a large group of players who had top class rugby experience, which helped me enormously. Success on the field was coupled with great fun off it and some of my fondest rugby memories revolved around the University. I will be forever indebted to the likes of Stan Addicott and Gwyneth Dyment, who gave so much support and encouragement and of course to the other players without whom I would not have progressed”
Dame Tanni Grey ThompsonGreat Britain 11 Paraolympic Gold Medals
Honarary Fellow,
“Sport has always played an important role in my life - first as a way to get fit and be healthy and then slowly it changed until I found that I wanted to compete against other people and my own bests. It has taught me to plan, set goals, deal with disappointment and push myself to limits I never thought were possible but most importantly I love what I do”
Liz JohnsonGreat Britain Disability Swimming
Business Management and Finance, 2004 - 2007
"I moved to Swansea for the degree programme as much as for the facilities, but of course it ideal to be so close to the pool. The University has been really supportive in helping me to balance my studies with training and competing. And I've been lucky that my coach is prepared to work around my University commitments to make sure that I get all the coaching I need."
Daniel Caines,
"I received my first British vest whilst an undergrad at Swansea, so not only do i have fabulous memories off the track my international ones begin here too."
Robert HowleyHonarary Fellow, Played Rugby for British Lions and Captained Wales
Management Science, 1989 – 1992
"My time at Swansea was unique-mixing sport, studies and social activities all in one day! The excellent sporting facilities and the dedication of the coaches, helped me to go on and achieve both Lions and international honours. My 3 years was a truly fantastic memborable experience - one which is worth experiencing!"
Louise HenleyRepresented Great Britain and Wales at Swimming
Sports Science, 2003 – 2007
“the facilities and the set up with the national squad was the main incentive for coming to Swansea”
Bethan CooleRepresented Wales at Commonwealth Games at Swimming
History, 2003 – 2007
"Swansea University proved to be the perfect place to combine academic study and international standard sport. Nothing was too much trouble for my lecturers to arrange if I was away competing or training. I received valuable financial and academic support throughout my 3 years and would reccommend studying here to both amateur and professional sportspeople alike."
Andrew HodgsonRepresented Great Britain at Swimming
Sports Science, 2005 – Present
“the facilities are excellent and the coaching programmes down here for me in particular are second to none really”
Megan BaterRepresented Great Britain and Wales in Tae Kwon Do
Geography, 2005- 2009
“Everything has helped really, the encouragement from the staff, being able to use the gym regularly, it just has, its helped me progress and the money has helped me do some of the qualifications I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise”
James PhillipsRepresented Wales at the Commonwealth Games at Badminton
Sports Science, 2002 – 2006
“The facilities are excellent, a 7 court hall with 3 yonex portable playing mats. Outside running track for off court training and a new gym for weight training sessions.”
Katie FranksRepresented England at Tae Kwon Do
Geography, 2005 – 2009
“I think [Swansea has] got excellent facilities which is definitely why I chose Swansea over all the other universities”
Matthew MorrisRepresented Wales at Lacrosse
Sports Science, 2004 – 2008
“[Swansea sport is at] a much higher level than I’ve ever played before and that was kind of a selling point to me the facilities and everything when I signed up to the university.”
Andrew CrawfordRepresented Wales at Skiing
Business Management , 2005 – 2009
“The range of sports are excellent, there are many clubs to join... and the facilities here are superb, really good. Many of the clubs have very experienced athletes who are prepared to pass on their knowledge.”
Rhys JonesRepresented Great Britain and Wales at Karate
Business Management, 2005 – 2009
“It’s brilliant, the university teams are up and coming, I’m from Swansea myself too and every year it’s starting to grow quite rapidly. It’s really starting to make a name for itself now”
Danni PerksRepresented Great Britain at Life Saving
Psychology, 2007 – 2011
“The sport's brilliant, It's got an amazing swimming pool and athletics track, with the univeristy being so close to the beach it's ideal, everything is within reach”
Helen SmaleRepresented Great Britain at Life Saving
French and Psychology, 2007 – 2011
“The sports are really good and that’s one of the main reasons I chose Swansea. It’s really close to the swimming pool, and has a fantastic gym. There’s a lot of support around you as well.”
Great Britain Roller Hockey
BSc (Hons) Sports Science, 2003-2007
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Swansea University. I had to split my third year into 2 years due to commitments to the Great Britain team, which my course directors were more than helpful processing and assisting me with. I spent a total of 4 years at the University and I think that Swansea University has everything that a student could ask for; great social events, top class sports teams, amazing location, friendly people and very helpful staff”
Represented GB in Sailing
Sport Science, 2006 – 2009
“Swansea is an awesome University. Students live an active, vibrant lifestyle with fantastic facilities and an incredible proximity to such a natural facility it is a sportsperson’s dream!”
Represented GB in Sailing
Physics, 2006 – 2010
“Swansea is the closest University in the world to the sea. What more could any sailor want?! My Department have been fantastic with accommodating my needs even though I have been one of the first performance sportspeople to come through.”
Represented GB at Swimming
Sport Science, 2005 – 2008
“The great Sport Science course compliments the first class facilities on offer here and the extremely high level of coaching.”
Represented Wales at Rugby
Sport Science, 1999 – 2004
“I really enjoyed the course. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after rugby and wanted some qualifications. The Department made studying pleasant and not stressful and were able to help me despite the demands on me through training and international matches!”
Represented GB at Lifesaving and Finswimming
Financial Economics, 2006 – 2009
“Sport at Uni is excellent. You get a unique opportunity to train at the facilities and have time to dedicate to sport which you wouldn’t be able to do in a lot of other situations.”
Philippa DaviesRepresented GB at Swimming
International Relations, 2005 – 2008
“I have loved every second of my course and sporting time in Swansea. Without my scholarship and the world class facilities at the National Pool I would never be able to pursue my sport to the level I wanted to, my department have been very understanding and helpful in balancing my sport and academic work so I could do well in both.”
