Research into how students who excel at sport juggle training schedules with studying and social life is providing invaluable support for members of the Elite Sports Squad at the University of Wales, Newport.
Seven students, including 19-year-old tae kwon do competitor Chloe Robbins, are all benefiting from the research, which is being carried out by Nicky Lewis, the head of social science in the university's School of Health and Social Sciences.
"Higher education is an important support structure for elite athletes who are pursuing Olympic or world championship medals. By focusing on the daily life of university elite student athletes, I have discovered that they are often confused and frustrated about having to balance their priorities," Dr Lewis said.
"This has been a major concern in many US universities, but remarkably little is known about its impact in the UK. My research is aimed at developing a comprehensive programme that supports student athletes through intensive academic studies."