One man pinning another man to the floor while wrestling

Martial Arts

Emily Calder - Taekwondo scholar

Emily Calder    

Sport: ITFU Taekwondo

Academic course: Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation

Hometown: Herne Bay, UK

Best sporting achievement/personal best: 

  • World Championship Argentina 2022- Gold    
  • World Championship Sardinia 2019 – Golds
  • University World Championships 2022 - Golds

Why did you apply to study at Kent (new students) or what is your favourite thing about Kent Uni (returning students)? Reflecting on the completion of my first year at Kent University, my favourite elements include its stunning location and views, with the benefits of robust sports facilities, strength and conditioning and physio and rehab support that I have received, and continue to receive, which enables me to achieve my sporting and academic aspirations. Furthermore, the staff team and my peers are all approachable and welcoming to any circumstance

With the Paris Olympics next summer in mind what is your favourite Olympics moment or favourite Olympian? Derek Redmonds Olympic moment considerably resonates with me. In 1992, he experienced one of the most mentally and physically challenging races. He had torn his hamstring during the race and as a result, was physically not able to run. However, he was determined to complete what he had started therefore stood up and rejoined the race. From the stands, his dad came down to the track to support him to the finish line. Derek showed pure determination and resilience by standing back up and hopping to the finish line through excruciating pain with his father. This is one of my personal favourite Olympian moments, showing that through times of extreme pain, challenges obstacles the strength to not give up but to drive through and put your heart and soul into what you love allows you to cross the finish line no matter what. 

Aaron doing a flying side kick

Aaron Bysheim  

Sport: Taekwondo

Academic course: BSC Sports Science & Management

Hometown/Nationality: Norwegian

Best sporting achievement/personal best: Silver Medal at National Championship in Sparring.

Why did you apply to study at Kent (new students) or what is your favourite thing about Kent Uni (returning students)? Good reputation and good sports facilities.

With the Paris Olympics next summer in mind what is your favourite Olympics moment or favourite Olympian? Karsten Warholm.

Scott in his Kendo outfit

Scott Adeyinka  

Sport: Kendo

Academic course: Politics and International Relations with a year in the Asia-Pacific.

Hometown/Nationality: Romford/British

Best sporting achievement/personal best: Vice Champion in the 2022 European Kendo Championships, Junior Individual division. 

Why did you apply to study at Kent (new students) or what is your favourite thing about Kent Uni (returning students)? Kent offers great exchange programmes to Japan where I can further improve my Kendo. 

With the Paris Olympics next summer in mind what is your favourite Olympics moment or favourite Olympian? Anthony Joshua is my favourite Olympian. 

Louis Sorge - Karate

Louis Sorge  

Sport: Karate

Academic course: Forensics science

Hometown: Folkestone, Kent

Best sporting achievement/personal best: Achieving my 2nd dan black belt after 14 years of karate.

Why did you apply to study at Kent (new students) or what is your favourite thing about Kent Uni (returning students)? I applied to the University of Kent as it is the best university in the UK for my desired course and the technology and resources at Kent are far better than those anywhere else.

With the Paris Olympics next summer in mind what is your favourite Olympics moment or favourite Olympian? In the 2022 Olympics when 14 year old sky brown beat the reigning champion Yosozumi Sakura and got the bronze medal on the podium.

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