With the 20×20 campaign underway and International Women’s Day celebrated yesterday, it’s time to meet some of DCU’s leading sports-women who do their singlets with pride every-time.
Sophie Becker, 21, Athletics (400m).
Photo Credit: Instagram- @sophiebecker10
Owing it to asthma, Genetics and Cell Biology student Sophie Becker says that it was a family friend that recommended she began athletics to help control her breathing. Twelve years down the line and the 400m athlete qualified for the Irish Relay Squad at the European Championships in Berlin in 2018 following a phenomenal performance during the National Senior Championships in Santry. With big plans for the future, the Model county native has her sights set on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and quotes “You didn’t come this far to only come this far”.
Michaela Walsh, 20, Hammer & Shot Put.
Photo Credit: Instagram – @michaela_walshx
Showing us the real way to throw like a girl is Hammer and Shot Put thrower Michaela Walsh who has made major waves in her field(s), taking home bronze from the European Junior Championship in Italy and competing in the World Youth Olympics.
“It was a surreal experience getting to live in an Olympic Village and attending the opening and closing ceremonies. It gave me a taste of what the senior Olympics are like which has motivated me even more.”
Hammer and Shot Put throwing has opened up new pathways for the PE and Biology student who says that sport has allowed for new opportunities for travelling and so far she has competed in Azerbaijan, China, Colombia, Poland, Italy, but that’s only the beginning!”
Grace Casey, 19, Javelin.
Photo Credit: Facebook – @Grace Casey
Motivation is key for General Nursing student Grace Casey, who commends the DCU sports community for driving her to thrive in her field of Javelin.
“Receiving the DCU scholarship I have made new friends and a solid training group which we push each other in every week. I find it very easy to stay motivated when living in a house with other top-level athletes as we encourage each other to improve and train the best we can.” With the support of her athletics family, there is no doubt Grace will put her best foot forward for achieving the European Under 23’s Standard in 2019″
Sarah Glennon, 17, Race Walking.
Photo credit: Instagram – @sarah_glennon33
Paving the way in race walking is Marketing, Innovation and Technology student, Sarah Glennon. Growing up as part of a sporty family set Sarah on the right path to success (puns intended), which led her to the European Youth Championships in Hungary in Summer 2018 where she came in twelfth place.
“Sport has definitely opened up new pathways for me and my career. I have been to over five countries over ten times with athletics and I hope to continue travelling to new places which is thanks to athletics.”
The future is bright for the appreciation and recognition of women in sport, with a drive for increased media coverage and investment, there is no doubt these DCU women will pave the way to the best standard Irish sport can offer.
Stay tuned for Part Two of the HER CAMPUS DCU Women in Sports series which includes four more of the universities top athletes.