In the year of the London 2012 Olympic Games, athletics has sprinted back into the sport spotlight, and at the University of Derby five students are setting their sights on a win at the Olympic Stadium.

From May 4 to May 7 five students representing Team Derby compete against other Higher Education institutions from around the UK in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) outdoor athletics championships, which is this year taking place at the new Olympic Stadium as a test event in the 'London Prepares Series'.

Team Derby has five athletes in the event:
• Masters in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy student Timothy Dalton, 24, will run in the 1500 metres
• BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Recreation student Malcolm Dawes, 20, will race in the 110m hurdles
• BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies student, Ben McGuinness, 19, will run in the 200m
• Sports Coaching Foundation degree student, Ben Mourbey, 23, will compete in the High Jump
• Brad Williams, 26, who is studying a quarrying certificate with University of Derby Corporate is running in the 100m.
 

Ben McGuiness has been training hard since the beginning of the year, including speed work sessions at Derby Athletics Club's Moorways Sports Centre, and training with Team GB 100m and 200m sprinter Jodie Williams. Ben said: "Jodie's success spurred me on and now I can't wait for the feeling of running at the Olympic Stadium in front of a huge crowd, and my family.
"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I never expected to have the chance to compete at such an amazing venue."

1500 metre runner Tim Dalton is feeling confident ahead of the championships. As a former runner for Loughborough University, and England under-20s, he is aiming to qualify for the final, and beat his personal best. Tim said: "Running on the Olympic track in front of so many supporters is going to be very special. To think that in just a few weeks Olympic athletes will be crossing the same finishing line is absolutely amazing."

Chloé Farmer, President of Derby Students' Union's Athletic Union, said: "The Students' Union is extremely proud of the students representing Team Derby on a national level this weekend. We would like to wish all of our competitors good luck and we will be there supporting and cheering them on throughout the competition."
 

Ollie Shearer, the University's Sports Development Manager, said: "The BUCS event is going to be extra special this year. All of our athletes are feeling confident as they have been training hard ahead of the competition. I know they will put in great performances for themselves and Team Derby."

Good luck to all of the athletes from your Students' Union!