Data Science and Analytics student wins gold and bronze medal at Brazilian jiu jitsu competition in Spain

Tara-Louise joined a local BJJ team called Lotus BJJ Alicante, who supported her at the competition. Tara-Louise represented Westminster as the only female fighting from her team. She took the opportunity to take the sport with her to her semester abroad supported by the University’s Elite Athlete Programme (EAP). So, she competed in Madrid, arriving home with Gold in the under 62 kilogram and bronze in the absolute weight categories.

The EAP supported Tara-Louise with her passion for Jiu Jitsu, from nutrition and psychology to physical and financial wellbeing. This year, she was also selected to be part of the Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, giving her the opportunity to build a network and progress in her sport without the worries she previously had such as financial burdens and making weight for competitions.

About her experience, Tara-Louise said: “The EAP has been a life changer for me, especially working with Samantha and Itsy from physiology, Natasha from sports psychology and Phoebe especially for her support and allowing me to be on the programme for a second year which has been my biggest elevation. I never would had thought that this is a factor that plays such a big part in an athlete’s life but since working with Natasha, I have changed for the better. I think positively, my relationship with the sport has improved and I can see this clearly through my competition results.

“This programme has allowed me to progress so much in my sport. Opportunities like these should be dreams but I am so happy that this is my reality and although it can get hard, daunting and exhausting at times, I without a doubt enjoy every second of it! I have immense gratitude for this programme, and I look forward to competing abroad again in May.”

Phoebe Hayden, Sports Development Coordinator at the University of Westminster’s Students’ Union, added: “Tara has done so well to continue competing alongside studying a semester abroad. It is a huge challenge in itself, so being able to win medals as well at an international competition is such an achievement. I am really impressed with how Tara-Louise has managed the transition, which is a testament to her talent, hard work and the incredible support provided by the EAP team.”

The University’s Elite Athlete Programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about sports opportunities at Westminster’s Sports Hub.