Student Steals Silver For Team GB

Released: 16.06.15

Robyn Birch, who studies BA Honours Sport Coaching and Physical Education, along with synchro partner Georgia Ward, took the silver medal at the European Diving Championships in Rostock, Germany.

The Great Britain B team were up against the majority of the top divers in Europe and Birch and Ward won the only medal achieved by the GB team, which was all the more impressive according to coach Andy Banks.

The University of St Mark & St John alumnus, Andy Banks, commented: “It was a gutsy and consistent performance from University of St Mark & St John student and Plymouth diving member Robyn Birch and her synchro partner Georgia Ward against the best teams in Europe to take silver just a few points behind the Russian pair.

“The bursary programme at the University of St Mark & St John which has allowed additional training time alongside her studies has undoubtedly aided Robyn's progress throughout her course culminating in this great performance on the European stage.

“This sets her up nicely to compete next month at the World University Games in the individual 10m event alongside team mate and fellow student Rhea Gayle who will compete in the 3m as part of a four strong GB team”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Cara Aitchison added: “I’m delighted for Robyn. This is an outstanding achievement and bodes well for her attendance at the World University Games next month in South Korea."

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