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    15 Reasons Why Sussex Uni Should Host The Olympics In 2024

    With Brits celebrating another Team GB gold rush and figures like Usain Bolt and Simone Biles firmly cementing their status as sporting royalty, the Rio Olympics have captured imaginations all over the world. Here, we present the case for bringing some of the Olympic spirit to the University of Sussex in 2024 after Tokyo. This is why Sussex would be the host with the most ...

    SussexAlumni
    by SussexAlumni

    Community Contributor

    1. Neighbouring Lewes is the best in the world at fireworks. With their help, we could put on a show-stopping opening ceremony.

    Dan Taylor-Watt (Creative Commons)

    Responsible for the UK's largest and most famous Bonfire Night festivities, our friends in Lewes would draw on their impressive expertise to ensure the games start with a bang!

    2. Plus, Her Majesty the Queen is well acquainted with Falmer.

    We wouldn't bet against her stealing the show at Sussex 2024's opening ceremony and emulating one of London 2012's defining moments.

    3. The University's swimming facilities are totally unique.

    Falmer boasts many sporting facilities, like the Olympic-sized swimming pool which can be seen as you approach Falmer House. Don't be deceived, it's not just a moat.

    4. But, in the likely event the pool's water level is low, the sea is nearby for rowing, swimming and sailing, and Hove Lagoon caters for an array of water sports.

    Simon Carey (Creative Commons)

    Diving more your thing? The Arts A tower promises plenty of height, although it may be more suited to climbing. #multifaceted

    5. As if this weren't enough, there's the velodrome down the road in Preston Park and Brighton & Hove Albion's world-class stadium quite literally across the road (site of one of the biggest sporting upsets of all time during the rugby world cup last year).

    Not only that, Falmer Sport Centre and Sports Complex can host all manner of events, including badminton, trampolining, table tennis, basketball, tennis, martial arts and more (and alumni Olympians can claim a discount on membership!)

    6. We can even borrow the Brighton Marathon route.

    Sergio Del Grande (Wikimedia Commons)

    Brendan Foster CBE (MOLS 1966), former long-distance Olympian and founder of the Great North Run, would be more than qualified to trigger the start gun should he not already have plans for 2024. Other alumni on our VIP list will include Chris Carter (SOC 1973), holder of the British half-mile record, and Olympian Adrian Parker (ENGG 1970), who won gold in the modern pentathlon in 1976.

    7. You can gain an advantage and practice the route in 2017 by joining over a hundred alumni, students and staff running the Brighton Marathon to raise funds for Preventing Podo.

    Jeremy Keith (Flickr)

    Simply click here to register and then run 26 miles. Done. Easy.

    8. The grounds on campus provide ample space for expansion so long as we stick to architect Sir Basil Spence's vision.

    University of Sussex

    Custom-made whitewater kayaking river, anyone?

    9. Sussex alumni have an array of sporting skills and abilities that will guarantee individual success.

    David Stone wins gold at London 2012 in the road race

    Team GB fencer Laurence Halsted (Psychology 2003); Paralympic cyclist David Stone MBE (Social Work 2003); 2 x Ashes winner Rosalie Fairbairn (Linguistics 2003); Equestrian event rider Emily Llewellyn (Business & Management 2007); and international footballer Ahmed Ahmedou (Engineering 2012) are just a few of our inspirational sporting graduates.

    10. Virginia Wade OBE (MAPS 1963) – the last British Winner of the Women's Wimbledon Tennis Championships – could become 'Coach Wade' and offer her expertise.

    virginia-wade.com

    And maybe we could sit down with Sussex alumnae Kim Murray (English 2007) and Kate Rose (EURO 1994) and their gold medal-winning husbands Andy Murray and Justin Rose to talk tactics.

    11. With coaching and competitors sorted, you can rely on Sussex's world class research teams to discover ways to give our athletes the ultimate edge.

    University of Sussex

    It's all about marginal gains ...

    12. Then, once we've secured inevitable glory, we can direct the party to Brighton's night scene for post-medal celebrations (via East Slope Bar, obvs).

    Dominic Alves (Flickr)

    Just imagine: shots at Casablanca, a dance off at Funky Fish and post-night-out munchies at Buddies. The Olympic dream, some would say.

    13. The BBC can take a step back and leave the coverage to the award-winning UniTV, our in-house broadcasting powerhouse.

    Stuart Robinson, University of Sussex

    For aggrieved EastEnders fans, best news ever: your daily fix will no longer get postponed by Olympic coverage.

    14. If you're still not convinced, just look at our credentials. Sussex has a proven track record of holding a large international event, evidenced by the annual One World Week celebrations.

    Stuart Robinson, University of Sussex

    Trialled, tested, and proven.

    15. Meanwhile, confident we will secure the bid, teams have started their training on campus …

    Stuart Robinson, University of Sussex

    'Track' this space for updates on our bid from The International Olympic Committee.

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