Bradford College

Former Student Nicola Adams Achieves Olympic Gold and Makes History

Bradford College staff and students were united in their praise for former student Nicola Adams after she made history yesterday by becoming the first ever female boxer to win gold at the Olympics.

29 year old Nicola Adams beat Chinese double world champion Ren Cancan to be awarded the first ever Olympic gold medal for female boxing in the women's flyweight division at London 2012.

Former student Nicola Adams trained at the Bradford Police and College Academy Boxing Club when it opened in 2008, whilst also studying for a National Diploma in Sport.

Commenting on the boxing scheme at Bradford College, which allows women of all abilities to be trained by top level coaches, Paul Porter, Bradford Boxing Development Officer said: “Allowing women to box in the Olympics has been the ‘final piece in the jigsaw’ and will boost female participation. There are now more than 1000 registered and competing female boxers in England and many more women training in boxing gyms throughout Britain.”

Paul Porter recently seconded to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) from Bradford College added: “Any female boxer that joins our Academy can fulfil their true potential, with the opportunity through Bradford College to become an international class boxer.”
Bradford College's women's boxing programme was the first project of its kind to be granted the “Inspire mark”, which recognises innovative and exceptional projects inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and was the winner of the 2012 Podium Awards, earning the only Gold award for Outstanding Sporting Project for its role in helping to increase female participation in the sport.

Commenting on Nicola’s outstanding victory, College Principal and Chief Executive, Michele Sutton, OBE said: "We are so proud of Nicola’s amazing achievement. She is an inspiration to the College community as well as to all aspiring sports men and women."

Bradford College has a limited number of places left on sports related Higher Education courses including, Foundation Degrees in Health-related Exercise and Fitness, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities and Sports Coaching.