Salford’s Rebecca heading to the Olympics with Team GB

“To say I’m over the moon is an understatement,” said Rebecca. “We have all worked so hard for this moment, so that when you finally get the news it doesn’t seem real!”

She’s been on an upward course since she first decided she wanted to be better than her neighbour at all sports, when she was six years old and growing up in Scotland.

He liked martial arts so she took it up too, and was quickly beating him hands down from a very young age.

Her talent was spotted early on, and she moved to Manchester to train with the national youth team when she was 16. This year has been all about refining and finessing her performance in her run up to the Olympics.

She’s now delighted to have the news she wanted, so she can focus in earnest for the biggest competition of her career.

Aged 24, Rebecca is in Year three of her four year Physio course at Salford. She chose the course because of its great reputation, and the fact that it is also one of the few part time courses on offer in the UK.  

She was also plagued by injury when younger so she loves the way the course has taught her important recovery and strengthening techniques.

“My trainers and teachers have been so supportive and flexible here at the University of Salford. I’ve been able to divide my time between working all out to be the best I can at my sport, at the same time making my grades and doing my study at Uni. It’s been hard, but amazing too.”

She’s already enjoyed a remarkable few years, winning World Championship bronze in 2022 and silver in 2023, added to a European title in 2021 and European bronze in Manchester a year later. She also scooped a European bronze medal a few weeks ago.

We’ll check in with Rebecca again soon in the run up to Paris, and wish her all the best in the coming  weeks as she prepares herself for the opportunity of a lifetime.  Congratulations Rebecca!