Sporting Achievement and Leadership

Men’s Rugby Coaching Team

Martin Webdale and his coaching staff have had an outstanding season, achieving a 4th place finish in the National Leage, 9 student athletes achieving age-grade international honours, and Martin selected as Head Coach of the English Universities team. The team also engage with international school in order to build relationships South Africa and Australia schools to provide opportunities for student athletes as well as to recruit international athletes.

Andi Manley

Under Andi Manley’s expert guidance, Dan Wiffen has risen from around 160th in the world to winning a world gold medal in early 2024, breaking a world record in the process. This extraordinary accomplishment was followed by an Olympic gold in the 800m freestyle and a silver in the 1500m at the Paris Olympics. Andi has also been confirmed as Team England’s Swimming Head Coach for the Glasgow 2026 Games – further solidifying his place at the pinnacle of the sport as a coach.

Triathlon Interdisciplinary Team

This nomination recognises the outstanding dedication, expertise, and cohesion of the Loughborough Sport Triathlon Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), whose tireless work played a pivotal role in supporting Cassandre Beaugrand to Olympic gold and an overall World Triathlon title. In the final Olympic build-up, the IDT’s collective effort ensured Cassandre arrived at her home games in Paris in peak physical and mental condition. This outcome is not just a triumph of athletic excellence, but a testament to the behind-the-scenes brilliance of an integrated team working in complete alignment with athlete and coach.