Gold medallist, Gina ready for more glory – after she’s back at college

Gina Akpe-Moses recently won her first gold medal at the European Athletics Championships and now she is getting back to the business of college study. The 18-year-old is returning to Matthew Boulton College to complete the second year of her applied science course.

“I’ve always been able to balance life at college with life on the track and I’ll make sure that carries on next year,” said Gina, who completed the under-20s 100m race in 11.71 seconds at the event in Finland. “All my training fits in around my college timetable and although my teachers support me when I get ready for competitions, I still make sure all my work gets handed in on time.”

Gina trains with Birchfield Harriers at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. Along with her science course, she also completed the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) which supports young athletes.

Her future sporting calendar includes taking part in some regional events in autumn and then preparing for next year’s World Under-20 Championships where she could claim a second gold medal.

“Winning the gold medal was an unbelievable experience,” she continued. “I feel it’s just the start of what I want to achieve as an athlete.

“I believe I can improve my time. Looking further ahead, the 2020 Olympics are also an achievable goal.”

Gina plans to carry on studying science at university level, ideally in a medical-related discipline.

“My college course is giving me a massive insight into the different fields of science I can go into,” added Gina. “Education comes first for me.  I want to make sure I know what all my career options are.”

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