A 2019 graduate from the University of Derby will be taking part in the World University Games (WUGs) from 3rd-14th July after winning a team silver medal representing Great Britain at an international competition in Turkey last year.
A 2019 graduate from the University of Derby will be taking part in the World University Games (WUGs) from 3rd-14th July after winning a team silver medal representing Great Britain at an international competition in Turkey last year.
Philippa Taylor, from the West Midlands, will be competing individually as well as part of a team at the WUGs which will take place in Naples, Italy.
“I feel extremely honoured and proud to have been selected for this event. As for many students, this is a once in a lifetime experience.
“Not all sports are participating in the WUGs, so for archery to have been included is also a very exciting element of being able to compete at the games,”
says the 22 year old.
She has been practising archery since she was 12 years old and now holds multiple national records, including a team silver medal at the Europa Cup in 2014 on her debut appearance with the Great British Juniors in Moscow, Russia.
In 2017 she was named British National Outdoor Champion after another amazing performance in the range.
“I started this year off very strong in my first competition and all that I can ask of myself is that I do the best shots I can and enjoy the opportunities I get.
“I am looking forward to competing for BUCS, Team Derby and Archery GB and spending time with the other GB athletes out there at the WUG,”
After winning the individual BUCS event in 2018, she placed 5th this year whilst completing the final year of her Human Biology degree.
“Life has been really busy; being a third year student and preparing for the next chapter in my life, whilst training alongside of this,”
While acting as President of the archery club at the Union, Pip has also competed in the BUTTS Indoor Championship hosted by the University of Derby.
The Union’s Archery club and its 56 members won Club of the Year 2019 at the Team Derby Sports Awards; which was held at Pattonair Derbyshire Cricket Ground; an evening of recognition and celebrating all their achievements, including winning the BUCS indoor competition in 2018.
After receiving a sports scholarship to support her archery, Pip will be graduating with a First Class degree in Human Biology and has applied to study a Masters degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham.
“I have mixed emotions about graduating. On one hand I am very excited to move forward into my new chapter in life, however I am very sad as I will be leaving my friends that I see every day.
“It has been an amazing few years - especially this year, I got so much closer to my friends within the archery club, who all contributed to obtaining Club of the Year. Having a tailored programme to my own ability, health and specific sport has enabled me to be at my strongest.”
Pip would like to thank the Rob George Foundation, her family and Derbyshire County Archery Association for their continual support and helping fund her journey to the World University Games.
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