A STUDENT in Reading has won a gold medal and broken a world record at the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Ed Fuller, who studies Geography at the University of Reading, was part of the ParalympicsGB team competing in the rowing at this year’s games in France on Sunday, September 1.
He was part of the group fighting off the competition in the Mixed Coxed Four event, eventually taking victory ahead of the USA and France and finishing in a world-record-breaking time.
Ed, originally from Exeter, was able to participate in the games following funding from the University of Reading’s Sporting Excellence Scholarship, which allowed him to study for his degree part-time.
Ed, 21, has haemophilia, which is a condition that prevents blood in the body clotting properly.
It means he had to use a wheelchair when younger, and still requires regular injections to manage the condition.
After trying out an array of sports, including hockey, swimming, and cycling, while growing up, Mr Fuller fell in love with rowing after seeing it at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
He refined his rowing skills at the University of Reading’s Rowing Club over the last three years.
The win for ParalympicsGB means the team has remained unbeaten in the mixed coxed four category for 14 years, extending the longest winning streak in british sport.
Ed said: “Studying at Reading meant I was able to train with an amazing team of coaches and colleagues who all helped me get to where I am today.
“Winning gold means so much to me, my family and my friends. I have won titles before but finishing first at the Paralympics is the ultimate dream come true.
“I’m so proud of myself and my team for all our hard work. I would like to thank everyone at the University of Reading for showing faith in me – from being selected for the Sporting Excellence Scholarship to the support shown by my lecturers, coaches and teammates.”
Dr Stuart Black, Head of School of School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, said: “We are so proud of Ed–he is an extremely disciplined and dedicated individual who has shown us all the value of hard work during his time at Reading.
“We can’t wait to welcome him back so we can celebrate his fantastic achievement.”
Will Rand, Director of Rowing at Reading University Boat Club, said: “We all knew what Ed was capable of before he went to Paris and we are so pleased he’s now shown the world what he can do. Ed has been a joy to work with during his time at the University.
“I’m looking forward to working with him to inspire the next generation of rowers at Reading.”
