Javelin thrower Harry Hughes shortlisted for Talented Athlete scholarship

Student Harry Hughes has been shortlisted for a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) award.

Harry, a third year student in Sports and Exercise Science, was selected for Team GB’s Under-23 squad in March. 

On May 6, he won the javelin competition at the British University and Colleges (BUCS) outdoor championships, breaking the BUCS record and throwing over 16 metres further than the second-placed athlete. 

On May 19, the Stowmarket-based athlete became the first Briton in seven years to throw over 80 metres, but still feels, “There’s plenty more to come.”

Harry said: “It feels amazing to be shortlisted for the TASS Scholarship award. To be shortlisted for a nationwide award is another massive achievement for me, and it definitely helps as it shows me that other people also have confidence in my ability and performances.”

Harry was nominated by the team at Essex Sport Arena, who manage the University’s role as a TASS delivery site.

Susy Davies, Performance Sport Manager, said: “Over the last few years, Harry has shown real potential to perform on the world stage.  He has achieved consistency since his return from injury and broke his own BUCS record this year. Harry exudes professionalism and is certainly one to watch for the future.”

Harry is splitting the third year of his degree across two academic years, to allow him to focus on his return to competition, and has received significant support from the School of Sports, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences.

Dr Dave Parry, Director of Sport, said: “The University of Essex is committed to supporting young athletes. We provide financial aid, free gym membership and strength and conditioning coaching. The performance sport programme has strong links with the University’s Human Performance Unit, allowing athletes access to premier sport science facilities and testing.”

Harry said: “My lecturers and mentors are always checking up on me, making sure that the workload isn't overwhelming, and giving me extra space for assignments, if I’m away competing or on a training camp. I also spent most of my 2nd year in the gym with Justin, the scholarship Strength and Conditioning Coach,  who picked me up after my surgery and helped me get into amazing shape, which was great support considering I was no way near competing!"

Harry is currently preparing to compete in the European Under-23 Championships in Gävle, Sweden, in July.

TASS is a Sport England-funded partnership between talented athletes, education institutions and national governing bodies of sports.