Last October, the Peter Harrison Centre (PHC) welcomed ten new doctoral researchers, marking an exciting step in the continued growth and widening scope of the Centre’s research. With their projects now beginning to take shape, we are delighted to showcase the wide range of academic backgrounds, professional experiences, and shared curiosity that each new researcher brings to the PHC.
To help everyone get to know our newest cohort, we are launching a short series of introductions. Each feature will spotlight one doctoral researcher, offering insight into their journey to doctoral study, their previous experience, and the insights they hope to contribute through their PhD research.
Today, we are excited to introduce the first member of our new cohort: Cheyenne Cheung.
Cheyenne completed her undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies at the University of Birmingham in 2021 and 2022 respectively. In 2023, she pursued an MSc in Sport Analytics and Technologies at Loughborough University London. Her master’s dissertation, titled “The Effect of the Qualifying Lane Assigned on Elite Swimmers’ Freestyle and Medley Relay Performance in 50-Metre Courses,” was conducted in collaboration with British Swimming (now Aquatics GB), with findings that helped inform strategic decision-making ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Following her studies, Cheyenne worked as a Data Analyst for British Rowing. Alongside her full-time role, she built extensive experience as a Performance Analyst across various sports, including British Judo and Aquatics GB. Her work in the field has seen her support athletes at major international events, such as the 2024 IBSA Judo Grand Prix Heidelberg, the European Aquatics Championships Belgrade 2024, and the European Junior Swimming Championships Vilnius 2024.
Cheyenne joined the PHC in October 2025 as a Doctoral Researcher, supervised by Dr Anna Fitzpatrick, Professor Vicky Tolfrey, and Dr Tom O'Brien. Supported by the LTA, her PhD research focuses on quantifying the movement and tactical demands of wheelchair tennis on different court surfaces. This aims to provide a deeper understanding of surface-specific performance, ultimately assisting practitioners in better preparing athletes for specific training blocks and competition requirements.
Over the coming weeks, we will continue to introduce the rest of our talented doctoral researchers. Each profile will offer a closer look at the people behind our research and the ideas shaping the future of the PHC.
Stay tuned for the next introduction soon.