Home News Physiotherapy student competes at World Functional Fitness Competition

Physiotherapy student competes at World Functional Fitness Competition

University of Chichester student Tasia Reeds represented Great Britain in the World Functional Fitness Competition in Budapest – and placed seventh in the world.

Tasia, who is studying BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, was selected for Great Britain after receiving a wild card invite to attend trials in Sheffield last October.

She said: “I had previously only competed in CrossFit competitions and wasn’t aware of functional fitness competitions, but I received a wild card invite to attend national trials and this is where I first found out about functional fitness. I had to compete in four different workouts focussing on strength, endurance, power and skill. A week later, I then received an email to say I had been selected for the team.”

Tasia took part in the IF3 Super Worlds in Budapest last December, and was placed seventh in the world.

She said: “It feels incredible! I had no expectations going into the competition because I knew the standard of athletes was going to be high, so I was just going to have fun and see where I placed within a group of very talented athletes so to walk away with seventh in the world was a great achievement that I am very proud of. It has now made me more motivated than ever to train hard to hopefully one day be standing on the podium.”

Tasia thanked the University for its support during the competition, and said: “The University has helped me massively to be able to achieve this goal. We had a group presentation which counted towards our module grade due for when I was scheduled to be in Budapest for the Opening Ceremony but with the help of the university and my peers, this group presentation was moved a week earlier making both situations possible. Without this accommodation, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve both.”

On what’s next, Tasia said: “From an academic perspective, I will be carrying on my physiotherapy degree at the university hoping to achieve the best grades that I can. In terms of sport, the qualifications for World Championships in November, which are held in Lithuania, and European Championships in September in Sweden are already underway. I’m currently taking part in online qualifications in my gym to submit to try move onto the next stage which is the national trials in July. From there, this is where the team selected and hopefully my hard work will pay off.”

Dr Connor Nyberg, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Chichester, said: “The School of Nursing and Allied Health is absolutely delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of one of our own, Tasia. Her remarkable performance at her recent international competition has filled us with pride and joy.

“During the event, we were thrilled to arrange a live stream, enabling us to follow her progress in real time as she showcased her talent and dedication on a global stage. Watching her compete with such skill and determination was an inspiring moment for our entire programme.

“To support Tasia’s journey, the programme made some adaptations to ensure she could balance her commitments while excelling in her field. It is clear that these efforts have been worthwhile, as her success is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and exceptional ability.

“Tasia has been an outstanding student throughout her time with us, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also a profound commitment to her studies in physiotherapy. We are confident that she will carry forward the knowledge, skills and values she has gained into her future endeavours, continuing to make a positive impact wherever her path leads.

“Congratulations, Tasia, on this well-deserved success! You are an inspiration to all of us, and we look forward to celebrating even more of your achievements in the future.”

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