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Doug Etheridge

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July 2010
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Poll Results...

► Doug Etheridge

Name: Doug Etheridge

Age: 20

Subject: Clinical Physiology of Medical Physics

Year of study: 1st

Sport: Windsurfing- Course Racing

From: Worcester Park, South London.

How long have you been participating in your sport?

Since I was really young, about 8 years old. I started competing at 12 entering regional races and went on to compete nationally. I moved up to an RSX, which has a bigger sail, and started racing that nationally and internationally. I’m aiming to enter the 2012 Olympics.

What is your average training schedule?

I do general fitness and weights training for building up in order to use the bigger equipment. I go to the gym around 3 times a week and windsurf whenever the weather permits, sometimes every day for a few weeks. I like to go in Swansea Bay, Llangennith, Horton and Port Eynon.

What support do you get from the University to combine study and your sport?

If I need time off to race then my tutors are pretty good about it. The University wants me to compete and win competitions. On the other hand I didn’t go to a big competition in September because I wanted to settle into University Halls and meet some new people. I was also just getting used to my new board, so I’m gearing up for next year instead.

What facilities/kit do you use?

The equipment I need is very expensive; a sail can set you back £2500 and a board £1500, especially as I have entered this new RSX category. My board was one of the first 50 made in the country. There is a list of other equipment that you need to windsurf; a mast, a boom, Dagger board, fins, suits and harness. To afford all this, the Sporting Scholarship is really helpful. I am also sponsored by Bray Water Sports, a local shop that helps out with kit and my parents help with the rest if the costs involved.

What is your highest achievement in sport?

I came 7th in the Youth Imco European Championships in 2002, which took place in Nessebar, Austria. In 2004 I came 10th in the Youth Imco World Championships in Bulgaria. I have to pay to travel to competitions but I have been awarded a grant from the Royal Yachting Association to help meet the costs. The Sports Council funded by the National Lottery gave me loads of support as a youth competitor.

Why did you choose to come to Swansea?

I wanted to study medicine but my involvement with windsurfing meant choosing less A-levels. I decided to try another route and took back-up courses related to medicine. Also beaches were a major draw for me. Coming from London and having to travel to surf made me really want to be by the sea.

When I was choosing which Universities to apply to, I was looking for a coastal town which offered a medical related course. I saw this course in Swansea and it seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I also found out about the sports scholarship which was an added incentive. I’m sure I made the right choice; the Gower is so beautiful it offers all I could really want.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking of studying here?

If you like surfing or being outdoors then definitely come here. It’s a great University academically but you can really get out and relax on the beach, which is just across the road from the University. It has great facilities and has been very supportive of me and my goals.

What is your ambition for the future?

I want to win the gold medal in Windsurfing Course Racing at the 2012 Olympics.

Which sporting figure do you most admire?

Lance Armstrong because he always fights adversity. Even when he was recovering from a life-threatening illness he was still the best in the world. He was ambitious and focussed.

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