Athlete Information:
Name: Ellen Harding
Age: 20
Sport: Surfing
Course: Sports Performance Analysis
Year of study: 2
Athlete Profile
I am a National and International Surfer, competing in short boarding events around the world. I was lucky enough to grow up on the coast so have been a participant in the sport from a very young age. When I was 14, I entered my first National competition representing my secondary school and after coming 3rd, I took up the sport competitively. I represented England in Senior European competition at the age of 17 and represented Great Britain in three world Championships, captaining the team twice and gaining a ranking of 19th in the world. I am currently training for summer competition to begin my transitions from Junior to senior events in Europe and further afield.
What difference has the scholarship made?
The Scholarship came as a very pleasant surprise, as surfing is not always a recognised sport and I have struggled in the past to gain funding. Having Cardiff Metropolitan award me the scholarship was a real confidence boost as it showed they had recognised my achievements in a minority sport. The financial support through the award has helped with accommodation and living costs, and has been a real help. Previously I haven't been able to compete in some major competition due to funding and cost. The Sports Scholarship will help me to continue competing during the next season. I also get a catering allowance, which has been a great help in lowering the cost of my weekly food bill, so I can save that money for training and competition fees. Adding to this the scholarship has given me a gym membership which has been a massive help allowing me to maintain and improve my fitness over the winter months, as well as providing free physiotherapy support thereby helping to keep on going injury's from getting worse.
