Geography student to represent ParalympicsGB at Paris games

Staff, pupils and alumni of the University of Reading will be cheering on a Geography student rowing for Great Britain at the Paralympics this week.

Ed Fuller will row the PR3 Mixed coxed four - historically Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s most successful boat at the Paralympic Games.

The 21-year-old already has three World Championship medals to his name, taking home golds PR3 Mixed Four and one in the PR3 Pair.

He now has his sights set on Paralympics gold. His Paris journey gets underway at 12.10pm on Friday, 30 August. The Paralympics is broadcast on Channel 4.

Overcoming adversity

Ed has haemophilia, which prevents the body from clotting blood properly. It meant he had to use a wheelchair for a long time when he was younger. He still has to have regular injections in order to manage his blood disorder.

He did not let his condition get in his way when he was younger, however, as he tried a range of sports including hockey, swimming and cycling growing up. He fell in love with rowing after watching it at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Twelve years later, Ed travels to Paris having refined his rowing skills at Reading University Boat Club over the past three years.

Ed said: “Studying at Reading has meant I have been able to train with an amazing team of coaches and colleagues who have all helped me get to where I am today. My Geography lecturers have also been really helpful and supportive of me on my journey.

“I hope I can be successful in Paris so I can say thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Representing Reading

Ed, from Exeter, has been studying part-time to help with his rowing training.

Dr Stuart Black, Head of School of School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, said: “We are all incredibly proud of Ed and also his team mates as they compete at the Paris Paralympics. Ed has very successfully managed the academic studies for his degree alongside incredibly demanding training and competition schedules. We look forward to welcoming Ed back later in September for the second year of his degree. I am certain he will continue to inspire many of us - not least in time management, team working and overcoming difficulties to succeed at the highest possible level.”

Will Rand, Director of Rowing at Reading University Boat Club, said: “Ed has been a complete professional from the first day he started rowing in Reading. He has a natural talent for rowing, but he is equally hard-working and determined. Every day he inspires us, especially when you think about the challenges he has faced in is. We can’t wait to watch Ed represent Reading in Paris.”