Sir Chris Hoy Scholarship set to unlock sporting success
A dedicated student fund, launched by six-time Olympic Champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, is set to support the careers of future sporting champions across the University.
The Sir Chris Hoy Sports Scholarship Fund has been created in partnership with the University to support students training for, and competing in, elite sport alongside their degree.
Twenty students in 2025 will be supported by the prestigious scholarship, which aims to help students overcome the financial hurdles posed by intensive training and competing at the highest level.
Sporting success
Successful scholars – which this year include Alyson Bell (Athletics), Amelia Tyler (Cycling), Ciara Schlosshan (Swimming), Emily Carrick-Anderson (Mountain Biking) and Phoebe Gill (Athletics) – will benefit from significant financial support, as well as access to world-class facilities, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition support and physiotherapy.
Hall of Fame
Sir Chris – a former University of Edinburgh student – is one of the UK’s most decorated athletes, with 11 world championship titles and seven Olympic medals, including six golds.
He graduated with a degree in Applied Sports Sciences in 1999 and is a key figure in the University’s Sports Hall of Fame, which also includes rugby legend Gregor Townsend MBE, Olympic rowing champion, Baroness Katherine Grainger, and ultra-marathon runner, Jasmin Paris.
Sir Chris Hoy was a hero of mine growing up and I feel honoured to be awarded this support. The scholarship is a gamechanger for me, and will let me free up time to train, invest in new kit, and help me to continue to compete internationally at the highest standard.
Noah Penman
2025 Sir Chris Hoy Scholar and diver for Great Britain
I hope the scholarship will give young students the opportunity to give their all in pursuing their dreams in sport and education. The financial support and practical support they receive at the University is important to make their sporting dreams a reality. For any athlete, your sporting career will end at some point, so gaining an education at the same time is such an important thing to do. I am excited to see what amazing things this first cohort of scholars will go on to do.
Sir Chris Hoy
Sir Chris is an inspiration to all of us at the University and we are proud that he is part of our alumni community. This investment in our athletes ensures that the University can continue to nurture their exceptional talent.
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh
