Every year, British Universities and Colleges Sports organises its annual championship and this year part of it was held at the English Institute for Sport in Sheffield, where we sent a team of sports hopefuls.

We had a cracking year this time around, winning a fantastic 11 gold medals, three silvers and four bronzes. Our swimming team won an impressive eight gold medals, with Max Litchfield, who is hoping to go to Rio 2016, even breaking the individual medley record!

“There’s no other city in the country that can rival Sheffield’s sporting pedigree so it was great to be in front of a home crowd.” – Max Litchfield

Sheffield has agreed to host the event for the next three years, so keep an eye out as you could be watching future Olympic champions right on your doorstep!

There are still events this week though, Sheffield will be hosting the BUCS Big Wednesday event on 16 March, for more information, have a look here the event is free, too.

To mark 8th March, the International Women’s Day, staff and students were invited to nominate Sheffield Hallam women who inspire them. We are delighted that Indian student Taruka Srivastava is in the final list in recognition for her achievements.

Says Andrew Bromley from the International Experience Team:

“I have rarely seen such an active and dedicated student. She is an active member of our ICE CLUB, Culture Connect and regularly attends Conversation Club and other social activities. She has also found part-time work with Disney and secured a prestigious opportunity to work with Manchester United TV station.

Taruka is a positive and enthusiastic person and an inspiration to all who meet her.”

And here’s what Taruka said about her accomplishments:

“It was quite difficult for me to adjust in the beginning. I even wrote to SHU Wellbeing complaining of depression and anxiety attacks. However I was told in Culture Connect that it was normal for an international student to go through such experiences. So I developed a new outlook and motivated myself to make the most out of my time in Sheffield.

I became more involve in my college life and attended conversation clubs which helped me gain many friends. I also got an opportunity to work with Manchester United Football Club TV. Plus I started my blog where I covered lot of local stories and interviewed people. My interview with Sheffield Wednesday Star Jose Semedo got published and I am also invited by Paul Blomfield to visit Parliament in June this year.”

We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Taruka on her fantastic achievement; the dedication and application that she has put in has been brilliant to see.

If you’d like to read about any of the other nominees on the day, then check out the page here.