Held on the evening of March 19 and the full day of March 20, the landmark date in the university sport calendar saw Loughborough welcome over 2,000 of the UK’s top student-athletes, coaches, and performance support staff as they competed across 57 Championship, Trophy and Vase finals, in 16 different sports.

Loughborough – hosting the showpiece event for the first time since 2015 – provided the perfect backdrop as almost 2,500 spectators witnessed the very best of sport from across the higher education sector.

The event was also supported by more than 100 student volunteers from the University’s Coach and Volunteer Academy (CVA).

Image caption: Action from Loughborough Men's 2s Rugby League match versus Northumbria University. Image provided by Pete Simmons (5or6 Creative).

Loughborough highlights of the day included Badminton (Men’s 2s) securing a dominant 8-0 victory over the University of Nottingham (Men’s 2s). In the same sport, in a thriller, the Women’s 1s edged past Derby University Women’s 1s by accumulating 23 more points following a 4-4 collective draw.

Over in basketball, Loughborough Women’s 2s claimed the National Trophy with a convincing 68-49 win over Oxford University, whilst the Men’s 1s also lifted silverware with a stunning 77-75 comeback victory over East London.

In a fitting end to proceedings, Football’s Women’s 1s beat Durham University in a dramatic penalty shootout to become National Champions. With the match level at 1-1 after extra time, Doris Greenwood scored the decisive penalty as the hosts ran out 4-2 winners.

Elsewhere, there were further wins for Loughborough in Tennis (Men’s 2s), Badminton (Men’s 1s), and Netball (Women’s 1’s).

Image caption: Loughborough Football Women's 1s celebrate their penalty shootout victory. Image provided by Stillsport Photography.

Richard Wheater, Director of Sport, Loughborough University, said: “We are thrilled, alongside BUCS, to have delivered an incredible spectacle that undoubtedly showcased the highest level of university sport.

“Hosting an event of this magnitude is no mean feat and the day's success is testament to colleagues from across the University, the athletes, coaches, officials, and support staff who were part of the competition, as well as our incredible volunteers.

“It’s a privilege that Loughborough is at the heart of such a milestone date, and we are all already looking forward to hosting BUCS Big Wednesday for the next two years.”

For more information on sport at Loughborough, visit: www.lboro.ac.uk/sport