23rd July 2018

BRUNEY SCOOPS MOST POTENTIAL TASS AWARD

Sprinter Maya Bruney (coach: John Blackie, Blackheath & Bromley) has claimed the Talented Athlete Support Scheme (TASS) Stars Most Potential award.

She was one of five athletes from across the United Kingdom that have received TASS support honoured at an awards presentation that took place ahead of the Müller Anniversary Games in London on Saturday.

The awards are presented based on what nominees have accomplished both academically and in their respective sport throughout the academic year.

The University of East London student has enjoyed a great year was crowned the Under 20 European Champion over 200m in 2017, shattering her personal best in the heats, semi-finals and final by a total of 0.63 to 23.04.

Bruney followed up her gold with two bronze medals in the 4x100m and 4x400m, becoming the first track athlete to win three medals at a European age group Championships since David Bolarinwa and Jodie Williams in 2011.

Bruney’s academic flair has seen thrive in studying for a degree in Graphic Design at the University of East London, after studying at BRIT School, where she claimed the excellence in design award for a trainer design.

Her creative spark has continued this year at University as when tasked to message a designer of her choice, went beyond sending an email by designing a coat inspired by DH Lawrence’s novel, The Rainbow, that saw her earn a meeting the brand director of Penguin Books.

Fellow TASS athlete Naomi Ogbeta (Tom Cullen, Trafford AC), who claimed the Most Inspirational award in 2017, made the final shortlist for the Star of the Year award but was just edged out.

Both athletes are on the British Athletics Futures Programme, which recognises athletes that have the potential to go on and win medals at future international championships, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games and World and European Championships.

The awards were presented by 2017 TASS nominee Sarah McDonald (David Harmer, Birchfield Harriers), who a year on from receiving support during her medicine degree, has reached the semi-finals of the IAAF World Championships and making her Commonwealth Games debut at Gold Coast.

She said: “It was really exciting to be asked to present this year’s TASS Stars Awards having been shortlisted for an award myself just 12 months ago.

“I was fortunate to receive TASS support during the third year of my medicine degree and I’ve had first-hand experience of the demands that student-athletes face.

“It was a real pleasure to meet all the finalists and to be able to join TASS in congratulating the athletes on their fantastic achievements this year.”