Sports Department Hosts Enrichment Day Featuring Renowned Athletes
On Thursday 6th June, the Sports Department hosted an enrichment day for prospective and current students, with invited prominent athletes from various fields who shared their sporting stories. Among guests were Dean James, a three-time Muay Thai World Champion, and Olivia Clark, the Wales Women’s football goalkeeper.

Each athlete shared their unique story, discussing the trials and tribulations they faced both within and outside their disciplines. They emphasised how having a sports-related degree supported their career paths. Dean James overcame cancer to become a 3x Muay Thai World Champion, coached by Birmingham Newman University’s very own Professor Tony Myers. Their stories highlighted the athletes’ unwavering determination to overcome obstacles that could have otherwise ended their careers.


Aside from sharing their stories, Dean James and Professor Tony Myers conducted a practical session on Muay Thai coaching techniques, offering valuable insights into the sport. Graduate Assistant Mohammed Ali shared his powerlifting experiences and participated in a practical Biomechanics session, providing attendees with a glimpse of the hands-on work they could engage with at Birmingham Newman.
Commenting on the event, Mohammed Ali said: “Through this event, our goal was to showcase there is no ‘set-path’ career in sport. A career in sport can take lots of turns. Many of which have their own twists and turns. We hoped listening to our speakers will have sparked some passion in our audience.”

