George devoted most of his working life to sport at Loughborough and is fondly remembered by the athletes and staff he worked with.
Before George passed away in 2020, he had a desire to support athletes from less fortunate backgrounds who fell outside of national funding criteria. He facilitated athletes getting financial and other support to enable them to be the best they could be.
In the last year The George Gandy Legacy Fund – set up in his memory – has awarded 29 grants to talented students.
A group of 16 athletes represented Great Britain at the World University Games and received grants of £300 each to cover the significant costs of competing internationally. It has been a huge support for athletes performing and competing on the global stage.
One student, Emily, claimed a bronze medal in the 5000m, while Archie Yeo exceeded expectations in the long jump, finishing 8th overall. He said:
“Making the top 12 and qualifying for the final was a big achievement for me. The atmosphere was incredible, and the experience pushed me both as an athlete and as a person.”
For many of the students, the World University Games marked their international debut. Harry (pictured) made his GB debut and reached the semi-finals in a very competitive 100m race.
Millie, who made the steeplechase final and set a personal best, said:
“Walking out onto the track alongside such talented competitors was surreal and a moment I will never forget. I’m truly grateful for the support that made this possible.”
Lucy reflected on her return to GB competition after six years:
“Your dreams are worth fighting for. This experience taught me that everything that hadn’t worked out before had led me to this moment – and I’m far better for it.”
University Chancellor, alum Lord Sebastian Coe KBE, was trained by George during his time at Loughborough. Lord Coe said:
“It has been wonderful to see the impact that the George Gandy Legacy Fund has had on students at the University. I know that George would be delighted to see his legacy continuing and to see athletics thriving at Loughborough. George was an exceptional person and a world-class coach. He enhanced and, in many cases, changed the lives of so many young people including mine”.
The University continues to remember George through the George Gandy Mile at the annual Loughborough International Athletics event.
Future donations can be made in George’s memory to Sports Scholarships, where students across a range of sports will benefit.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the George Gandy Legacy Fund over the last five years and helped athletes to achieve their potential.
