LECTURERS and students at Plymouth University are rooting for swimming star Antony James as he embarks on his quest for Olympic glory.
Twenty-three-year-old Antony, a Plymouth Leander athlete, is currently taking a year out from studying for his psychology degree at the university as he concentrates on securing a gold medal.
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MESSAGE OF SUPPORT: Staff from Plymouth University sports complex show their support for Olympian Antony James
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He will be swimming for Great Britain in the individual 100m butterfly as well as back-up for University of Manchester law student Michael Rock in the medley relay team.
As part of Plymouth University's 150th anniversary celebrations, Antony was given £1,500 to help with his training costs as he focused all of his efforts on qualifying for the Great Britain squad for London 2012 – he became the first student to ever receive such a bursary. Simon Handley, Head of the School of Psychology at Plymouth University, said: "From lecturers to fellow students, we are right behind Antony as he embarks on his quest for Olympic glory. We also hope that, thanks to his studies here at Plymouth, he may in some way have the psychological edge over his competitors as he goes for gold."
The bursary Antony was given from the university was designed to reward excellence in students and to inspire individuals to reach their full potential and broaden their horizons.
Lesley Coulton, Head of Sport and Recreation at the University, said: "Antony has worked extremely hard in order to balance his swimming career and his studies. We wish him every success at the Olympics – enjoy the experience Antony."