Brum Olympian becomes first BMet alumni recipient

BMet Principal Andrew Cleaves said: “Elliot always showed promise, so to have recovered from brain damage and being on crutches to then go on to win the British Championships and qualify for Rio makes him the ideal person for this award. Not only is he a role model for all BMet students, he’s an inspiration to us all. And as a competitive athlete, he’s only just getting started.”

The 22 -year-old Elliot studied a Level 3 diploma in sport at Sutton Coldfield College in 2013, achieving a Distinction Star grade. During this time, he became West Midlands Regional Cross Country Champion and won a silver medal at the Association of Colleges Sport (AoC) National Championships.

Prior to receiving the Alumni award, Elliot said “It is an incredible honour to have received this award. My time at BMet really laid the foundations for where I am today and developed not just my education, but me as a person.

“Accepting the award is now a chance for me to show current and future students that if you have an idea or ambition, you must aspire towards it and do all you can to pursue your dreams.”

Andrew Cleaves continued: “We launched the Alumni Awards to celebrate the impact that further education can have on an individual, from gaining qualifications to helping them outline and achieve their career ambitions, supporting others along the way.

“Elliot has done all of this and much more. We congratulate him for all his fantastic efforts, admire his determination and wish him all the best in his future sporting career.”

He maintains a rigorous training schedule while studying sports and education at St Mary’s University, London.

Elliot received his award at BMet’s Higher Education Awards ceremony where 375 students celebrated the completion of their higher and university-level qualifications.