Alumni news
A passion for para cycling: Freddy’s story
By: Emma Wigmore
Last updated: Thursday, 15 January 2026
Freddy Ireland
“My name is Freddy Ireland and I am currently in my third year at Sussex. As someone who is severely visually impaired, I navigate my Geography degree through braille. Beyond the classroom, para cycling is my passion, and I am proud to be part of the Sports Scholarship Scheme at Sussex – an opportunity made possible through generous donations to the Sussex Fund.
“My father introduced me to cycling when I was 11, buying a touring tandem so we could ride together. In 2024, we attended a talent ID day at Manchester Velodrome. I thought it would just be a fun experience, but the coaches there saw potential in my metrics and placed me on a training programme. Since then, everything has moved quickly – I never imagined I would be racing competitively!
“What I love most about cycling is the time spent outdoors. Over the past ten months, I have trained seriously, supported by the Sports Scholarship programme at Sussex. The Scholarship has been life changing. Being visually impaired makes it pretty impossible to access a gym independently, but thanks to the programme I have coaches who guide me through strength and conditioning exercises, ensuring my form is correct and helping me build the explosive power needed for track cycling.”
Besides helping to cover the costs associated with travel, accommodation for competitions, and training and equipment, the Sports Scholarship Scheme also provides access to sports facilities, strength and conditioning sessions, one-on-one coaching from the team at Sussex Sport, complimentary memberships and performance support, as well as unique mentoring opportunities and attendance at workshops hosted by world-class athletes.
Freddy continues: “Being awarded a Sports Scholarship was incredible. It showed me that Sussex and its supporters believed in me and were willing to help me balance my academic and sporting ambitions. Without this support, accessing training facilities and pursuing competitive cycling would have been extremely difficult.
“The Scholarship has also enabled me to purchase essential racing equipment, such as an aerodynamic helmet and overshoes, which improve my efficiency on the bike. Beyond equipment, the advice and support from coaches – on nutrition, recovery, and logistics – has been invaluable. Already, I have seen my power data improve, and in September 2025, I was proud to win the National Para Road Series, held across five weekends around the country.”
Thea Mackenzie, Sussex Sport Participation Coordinator, has been training Freddy on campus. She says:
"I’ve been working with Freddy for the past six months. When we first started, he was completely new to the gym. Despite being an incredibly talented cyclist, this was an area with room for growth and development of Freddy as an athlete. We’ve been focusing on strength and conditioning to support his cycling, building his technique and confidence in lifting weights. His commitment has been outstanding, and it’s been fantastic to see that translate into improved cycling performances, in close collaboration with his British Cycling coach."
Freddy continues: “Being a sports scholar has enriched my experience at Sussex immeasurably. It has allowed me to remain physically active, which I believe is essential for health and happiness. To learn, to be active, and to enjoy life – these are the values I hold most dear.
“I want to thank everyone who has donated to the Sussex Fund. Your generosity makes opportunities like mine possible. The support that I’ve received has not only empowered me to excel in my sport, it also demonstrates the transformative impact that philanthropy can have on students like me.”
If you would like to help more students like Freddy, please make a gift to the Sussex Fund.