Trio enters University Sports Hall of Fame

Edinburgh alumni Sarah Wilson, Claire Maxwell and Alan Clyne have been honoured for their success at the highest level in their chosen sport.  All are graduates in Physical Education.

Umpiring at the highest level

Sarah Wilson is one of the world’s foremost hockey umpires having presided over medal matches at the very highest level, from the most prestigious club tournaments to the international elite, including European Championships, World Cups and Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Graduating in 2012, Sarah is now among Scotland’s most decorated, successful and inspiring sporting officials and her addition the University’s Hall of Fame exemplifies the hugely important role they play in delivering sport at every level.

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Inspiration on and off the court

Claire Maxwell is an inspirational figure both on and off the Netball court. A former first team captain of Edinburgh University Netball Club, she has forged a glittering playing career at both domestic and international level, earning over 100 senior caps for Scotland.

Graduating in 2009, Claire’s legacy as a University, domestic league and international player is epitomised by her technical ability, athleticism, ‘will to win’ and leadership skills, on and off the court. She is an exceptional ambassador for her sport where she continues to inspire and enrich the landscape of Netball in Scotland.

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Squash Success

Alan Clyne is one of Scotland’s most decorated squash players, achieving success on both the European and World Stage and at multiple Commonwealth Games. While at University, and with the support of the Individual Performance Programme, Alan became the first Edinburgh student to win the British Universities Championship (2008) and also achieve medal success at the World University Squash Championships.  He graduated in 2008 before joining the professional tour where he has now played in 190 tournaments clinching eight tour titles so far in his career.

Alan is a 10-time Scottish Squash Champion and has represented Scotland at the last three Commonwealth Games.  In 2017 he helped Scotland achieve European Team Championship medal success for the first time in 17 years before repeating the feat two years later.  He was crowned World Doubles Champion in 2016 and has now earned over 150 international caps for Scotland. Alan’s drive, determination and desire for success continue to inspire a new generation of Scottish Squash players.

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We are delighted to welcome these three exceptional and inspiring sports stars into the University’s Sports Hall of Fame.  They have all excelled in their chosen sports and their successes epitomise the University’s rich heritage in sport, and our sector leading commitments to student centred programmes in sports development, performance and volunteering.

Jim Aitken, MBEDirector of Sport & Exercise

World Class Talent

Edinburgh’s Hall of Fame now boasts over 40 world class athletes across 20 sports. Previous inductees include six-time Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, Olympic gold medallist rower Katherine Grainger, and Olympic 400 metre running champion Eric Liddell.

 

Performance Programme

Many of Edinburgh’s elite athletes have been supported by the University’s Performance Programme. This provides tailored fitness conditioning, sports medicine care and mentoring support  to help students succeed at the highest level,  including access to top class competition and training facilities, advice and flexible study options.

A virtual induction

This year, University Principal Professor Peter Mathieson honoured each athlete’s achievements and accolades and welcomed them into the Hall of Fame in a new weeklong celebration across University social media channels.

Each inductee is celebrated with an “honour board” displayed in the Sport Hall of Fame Gallery in the Pleasance Sports Complex and Gym. The new boards were unveiled by current Edinburgh students from each of the represented sports.