Combining elite-level performance in modern pentathlon and studying FdSc/BSc (Hons) Sport (Sports Performance), Sarah had her sights set on the Olympic Games. However, an injury and deselection prevented that dream from becoming a reality.

She explains how the opportunities and support she received during her studies have helped her to move past this and focus on a different kind of career in sport

An academic course designed for athletes

Bath stood out to me for its rare combination of academic excellence and learning flexibility for athletes. A tailored approach is offered, where teaching time adapts to your training schedule.

For most sports here, training takes place before 9am and after 5pm, with lectures fitting in between. This structure enabled me to develop as both an athlete and a student without compromise.

Sports Performance is built around the unique demands of an athlete's lifestyle. We were learning in class and then instantly applying the learnings in the field, creating a constant exchange between theory and practice.

We studied and lived the concepts through coaching, training, and peer discussions. And because the cohort crossed multiple sports, this knowledge exchange helped us grow beyond the limits of our individual disciplines.

Finding my tribe

From my days at school, I felt the challenges of pursuing sport at a high level, while balancing this with my education. Resources for training were limited, and I had to travel between five different clubs to train for each of my sports.

The course at Bath was one that I was very drawn to and arriving at Bath felt like coming home. Suddenly, everything was in one place, and I was surrounded by athletes who understood the lifestyle - not so much of the late-night partying, but instead, constant weekend competitions and a shared goal of being the best. It was a breath of fresh air.

We trained alongside and learnt from experts in strength and conditioning, sports psychology, personal development and physiotherapy. This really helped me see the bigger picture of what is possible as an athlete and beyond. Being surrounded by driven peers with similar ambitions created a supportive and motivating environment where everything felt aligned toward our similar goals.

Injury and identity

My dream was always to compete at the Olympic Games.

An injury changed that trajectory, but it also opened up new possibilities. The course taught me practical skills in, and for, my sport and it also developed self-awareness and helped me understand my strengths, areas for improvement, and the concept of athlete identity. We explored the risks of tying our entire identity to sport and how to cope with setbacks. This turned out to be especially useful.

With the support of an amazing academic advisor and mentors, I found a new interest in sports management. I remember so clearly realising my injury meant my goal would have to change, I was sitting in a café, devastated about having to give up my athletic career.

My personal development and lifestyle advisor, James Lambdon, sat down and took the time to listen and help me see the next steps and the choices beyond being an athlete that I still had open to me by being on this course. His guidance and reassurance was a turning point in my life and inspired me to want to offer that same support to others. I’m part of a community that genuinely cares about my success, both in sport and beyond.

During my course, I seized every opportunity - these included managing teams at the UK School Games (a mini-Olympics) to swim coaching and working closely with top professionals.

When I went on to do an MRes (Master of Research degree), Bath’s strong industry connections gave me access to a project funded by West Ham United Football Club. I even had the chance to meet players and visit the stadium as part of my academic journey.

Unrivalled sports network

Bath’s partnerships with national governing bodies and organisations like Aquatics GB, Pentathlon GB and Bath Rugby offer amazing relationships with top athletes and professionals. The Sports Training Village is at the heart of it all; it’s a hub where you can casually knock on a coach’s door for advice or bump into an Olympian in the hallway. This environment encourages collaboration and opens doors to endless possibilities in both sport and academics.

My experience has given me the confidence and connections to pursue a career in sports management, working with elite athletes and sports organisations. And my goal is still the Olympics, but just in a different guise!