Today the 2020 Olympic Games commence – postponed due to Covid-19 – and present an historic opportunity for Beds graduate Mallory Franklin. From 2012 to 2016 Mallory studied Sports Therapy at the University and was a Platinum Sports Scholar. On Wednesday 28^th July, she will become one of the first women ever to compete in the Canoeing Slalom C-1 event at an Olympic Games.

Previously only competed in by men, the addition of Women’s C-1 to the Tokyo Games’ schedule means the Cheshunt-based athlete will have the chance to make history next week. Already a World Cup, World Championships and European Championships gold medallist in various canoeing disciplines, for 27-year-old Mallory reaching the Olympics has been a journey two decades in the making.

She said: “I got into canoeing when I was five years old. We were visiting a local leisure centre to see if any sports interested my older brother and next door the canoe club was having an open day with a barbecue. After having a go, I haven’t stopped since!

“I was really pleased when I saw women’s C-1 get added to the schedule. I compete in kayaking too, so the Games were always my target, but to be able to try and qualify to compete in both was amazing. I will be one of the first women to compete in C-1 at the Games – it’s really cool to be classed as a pioneer.

“I think for any girl seeing someone just like them achieving great things is inspiring, I know it was for me when I was younger.”

While competing at the Olympic Games has always been the goal for Mallory, studying for a degree became an additional ambition. When assessing options, Mallory says she much preferred the course offered at Beds and with the newly opened Lee Valley White Water Centre in close proximity, the decision was made.

 “I knew I wanted to study for a degree as well as compete in canoeing, and it definitely helped with my training – studying Sports Therapy gave me a new understanding of how my body worked and how best to optimise it for my sport.

“While I was studying, I spent most of my free time completing all of my uni work so that I could have time for training, so my favourite memories of being at Beds was spending time with my friends in the library. I also really enjoyed lectures from Mark Cousins and Cheryl Barford.”

Cheryl, who is a Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy, remembers teaching Mallory well and is proud to see her fulfil her Olympic ambitions. She said:

“In 2016 when Mallory was winning the World Cup title in Women’s C-1 she was also completing her Sports Therapy degree with honours with us. This is testament to the hard work Mallory puts into everything, managing to juggle her intense training with her degree studies with absolute commitment.

“We could not be prouder of her as she has continued to go from success to success and we are glad to be a part of that journey. Mallory works tirelessly and we know how much her sport means to her. We wish Mallory the very best of Olympics, we are right behind you!”

For Mallory, this is a culmination of years of dedication, multitasking and discipline. The pandemic set her back 12 months but that has not dampened her determination to enjoy the twists and turns to come. She concluded:

“My hopes for the games are to enjoy the journey. It has been such a crazy year and even getting to the start line is an achievement. Obviously it would be amazing to come back with a medal but I just want to be myself and enjoy it.”

The Women’s C-1 heats take place at 04:50 and 07:00 on Wednesday 28^th July before the semi-final and final are contested at 06:00 and 07:55 respectively on Thursday 29^th. The BBC’s through-the-night coverage of the competition will be available to watch live and on-demand via BBC iPlayer.

For details about the University’s School of Sport Science and Physical Activity, click here.

To find more information about Sports Scholarships at the University of Bedfordshire, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/sportbeds/scholarships/sportscholarships