- 15 September 2008
Sussex sports bursary graduate wins double gold at Beijing
Double first at Beijing for Paralympian and Sussex sports bursary graduate David Stone
University of Sussex graduate and road cyclist David Stone has won two gold medals at the Beijing Paralympics.
David took gold for the GB cycling team on Friday (September 12) in the Mixed Individual Time Trial, which sees male and female athletes compete using tricycles. David came home 46 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Barbara Weise of Germany with Czech Republic rider Marketa Mackova taking bronze 14 seconds further back.
The 27-year-old Social Work and Social Care graduate then won gold in the 24.2km mixed road race on Saturday (September 13).
David, who now lives in Leeds, was supported throughout his studies by a University of Sussex Sports Bursary and by the University's sports development officer, Luke Terrill.
David said: "Luke helped with the cross over between sport and study, offering motivation and ensuring I was able achieve in both. He also developed communications both between my tutor, staff within the department and the coach of the team to ensure I could manage my cycling commitments in the final year."
After his first medal win in Beijing, David said: "I am very happy and I want to thank all the people who supported me. It was a very hard course with a lot of curves and hills. Three men were in front of me but at last I overtook all of them."
Friends and supporters at the University of Sussex have been following David's progress and are delighted with his win. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Farthing said: "We send on our very sincere congratulations to David. It's a brilliant result."
Karen Creffield, Head of Sport at the University of Sussex, said: "All the team at Sussexsport are absolutely delighted for David and we send him the very warmest of congratulations. Both golds were fantastic wins and are very special to us, as David is the first-ever Sports Bursary student and Sussex alumnus to win an Olympic gold."
David has cerebral palsy, a brain condition that affects movement and coordination. He took up cycling as part of physiotherapy treatment to help improve his posture. He has been competing since 1997 and in the past seven years he has been to the Sydney Olympics (2000), where he was placed seventh, and has been a World Cycling Champion three times (2003-2006).
Notes for editors
For information on the Paralympics, see Paralympics
The University of Sussex Sports Bursaries are offered to talented students who have reached National standard in their chosen sport. Students receive a comprehensive sports package that includes financial support, flexibility over academic commitments, injury and fitness support, free use of facilities and car parking privileges. Previous holders include the England women's cricket international Rosalie Birch and fencer and GB three-day eventer Holly Wick. For further information see: Sports_Bursaries
University of Sussex Press office contacts: Maggie Clune or Jacqui Bealing: Tel: 01273 678 888 or email press@sussex.ac.uk