Brooke Ironside: “I can still pursue my athletics career whilst studying”
Brooke Ironside is currently in Year 2 on the BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health Science degree at AECC University College. She carries out her studies whilst pursuing her athletics career. Brooke, age 20, is currently ranked third in Europe for the under 23 years 200 metres. She also trains for the 100 metres, 60 metres and long jump, too. Brooke tells us how she juggles studying with training in her own words…
Choosing the Course
“I chose the BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health Science degree at AECC UC as it allows me time to pursue my athletics training and I thought that the course sounded interesting. I live locally and I know that the AECC UC has a very good reputation. Studying here in Bournemouth also means that I can keep training with my coach in Bournemouth.”
Juggling Training with Studying
“I train with Bournemouth Athletic Club with my Coach, Zac Kerin, and Strength and Conditioning Coach, Nick Rees, and BH Live Active helps me out with my membership. I train twice a day, 6 days a week. Each training session is between 2-3 hours, although the length does vary. I sometimes train up to 6 hours per day.
“With my course, you only go onto campus for seminars and the more practical aspects. The theory is mainly online, so I can do this in my own time. The course works really well alongside my athletics training, plus you can learn the physiology of what you’re doing and the chemical reactions that go on inside the body.
“The competitions I do are never in Bournemouth – they are mainly in London, Birmingham, and Sheffield, and I’m looking to do more international ones in the future. Most of them are at the weekends, so I don’t miss any lectures. However, if I do need to miss a lecture, then AECC UC is understanding.”
Brooke’s Recent Athletic Accomplishments
“I have just finished the indoor season, where I came 3rd in the Senior British Championships, which I am proud of as I am only 20 years old.
“At BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport), I won the 200 metres, breaking the BUCS record. The 200 metres BUCS record previously stood at around 23.54 seconds and I ran it in 23.37 seconds. I also won the Bronze medal for the 60 metres. I’m now third in Europe for the under-23 200 metres.”
Brooke’s Future Goals
“I will shortly be moving into the outdoor season where I’m hoping to run sub-23 seconds, so it sets me up well for the under 23-year championships the year after.
“I would like to make the final for the British Olympic trials in the 200 metres for the GB team. I want to do the best I can there. The trials take place in June 2024.
“There are some really good open meetings in London at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre. Some of the Olympic sprinters come down and race at them as they’re fast tracks, so it gives me the opportunity to race the top people.
“Once I finish the degree, I may do the MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) at AECC UC, as I’ve heard that the placements are really good. I would be able to do the course whilst continuing with my athletics.
“I would like to go to the LA Olympics in 2028, probably with the 200m, which is my strongest event. I also do the 100m, 60m and long jump, but 60m is only indoors. My best long jump is currently 6.19 metres. I’m only 20 years now, so I have time to train for it. I would also like to make a career out of it.”
Brooke Ironside (left)
