Stirling triathlete secures place on Olympic programme

University of Stirling triathlete Alex Robin has been selected to join the British Triathlon Olympic World Class Programme.

The initiative, which was set up in 1996, ensures athletes are given world-class support as they work towards Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, Brisbane in 2032, and beyond.

Alex is among eight new athletes to join the programme, which is delivered through the sport’s national governing body, and supported by UK Sport and the National Lottery.

It comes after Alex won a gold medal with Great Britain’s Mixed Under-23 Junior Relay team at the World Championships in Australia – along with teammates Millie Breese, who is also a University of Stirling triathlete, Bethany Cook and Oliver Conway. Alex also claimed a silver in the Junior event.

He said: “At the start of the year, I hadn’t thought at all about the World Class Programme, I just focussed on my races throughout the year. But after performing well at the World Championships where I got a gold and a silver, I got on the programme and next year is my first year of racing with the seniors.

“I need to get some points, get my rankings up and get used to that level of racing as it’s a different dynamic. I’m excited to get out there and see what’s going on.”

Millie Breese and Alex Robin after they won gold as part of Great Britain’s Mixed Under-23 Junior Relay team

David Bond, Director of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “Being selected onto the World Class Programme is a fantastic achievement for Alex and it's greatly deserved after his recent progression and results.

“The National Centre at the University of Stirling has been going from strength-to-strength in recent years, and Alex’s selection is testament to his dedication to training, as well as the support he received from the high-performance coaches and support staff.

“I have no doubt there are many more exciting things to come from Alex and the other athletes within the high-performance group at Stirling.”

At Stirling, athletes have access to world-class facilities, including a 50-metre pool, unrivalled outdoor space, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites. In addition to its coaching and facilities, Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme – one of the largest high-performance programmes in the UK – offers athletes funding support, academic flexibility, equipment and kit. It has supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981 – with many competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Core sports include triathlon, football, golf, tennis, swimming, rugby and curling, while individual scholarships cover all Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.

Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.