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July 2010
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Poll Results...

► Josh Wilce

Name: Josh Wilce

Age: 18

Subject: Geography BSc

Year of study: 1st

Sport: Sailing

How long have you been participating in your sport?

Since I was six years old. My whole family is very sporty. When I was nine I was on the National youth squad and competed in Denmark in the European Championships for Great Britain when I was 12.

What is your average training schedule?

Every weekend I train at Margam with the University team. I go to the Unigym twice a week and then it’s a case of training for competitions around the country. I sail with my younger brother and also alone to represent Swansea University. To keep fit I often cycle around Swansea Bay and enjoy surfing and windsurfing at the great beaches. With sailing you really need to have good stamina as it’s a test of endurance. The average competition will have three or four races a day, so you have to be really fit.

What is your highest achievement in sport?

When I was 14 I was ranked 1st in the UK 405’s, which is based on a years sailing at Open Events, National ranking competitions, National, European and World Championships.

Do you have a funding or scholarships for playing your sport?

The sporting scholarship is my only source of funding at the moment so it is really helpful. Apart from that my parents have been incredibly supportive. Sailing does not have a high profile compared to some sports so there is not as much sponsorship money about, but it is growing in popularity all the time. Obviously the kit you need is very expensive not just the boats themselves but also maintenance, travel costs, boots and sailing gear.

Why did you choose to come to Swansea?

I knew I wanted to study Geography and liked the look of the course at Swansea. The area is fantastic for sailing and the Mumbles Sailing Club is just up the road. I have friends here in their second year who also Sail and everyone I had spoken to gave Swansea a good report.

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

I like the balance between rural and coastal locations and the buzz of living in a city. I like the campus and the Student Village has a great atmosphere. I would definitely recommend it.

What is your ambition for the future?

I would love to compete in the Olympics. I hope to advance through the Development Squad to compete in 2012.

What support do you get to combine study and professional sailing?

Apart from the free gym membership and physiotherapy, if I get any problems with course work deadlines conflicting with important sailing competitions then I can usually work something out with my tutors.

Which sporting figure do you most admire?

John Merricks, a leading Olympic sailor and 1996 Olympic silver medallist. He died tragically in a car accident whilst competing in the 1997 Melges 24 European Championships in Italy. His parents and friends have set up the John Merricks Sailing Trust to carry on his name and bring more young people into the sport.

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