Tuesday 2nd February, 2010

Winter Olympics call-up for Robert Gordon University sports scholar

Robert Gordon University student and sport scholar Peter-James (PJ) Barron has been selected to compete for Ireland in the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver next month.

PJ is one of the six-strong team competing across four disciplines in the Games. He will be competing in the 15km skate time trial.

PJ (20), who hails from Huntly in Aberdeenshire, said, "I feel that I have a great training programme which combines my ski specific work from my ski coaches, and the fantastic strength and conditioning support I receive from the RGU: SPORT Scholarship Programme. As a result I'm currently in the best shape possible, and aim to put in my best performance in the skate time trial.

"I am very grateful to the Snowsports Association of Ireland and the Olympic Council of Ireland for the opportunity to race and represent my country at the Olympics, and I am very excited by the prospect of being part of the Games."

A keen cyclist and swimmer, PJ was introduced to cross country skiing by friends and, at 13, joined the Huntly Junior Development Squad. His interest and skill continued to grow, leading him to join the British Nordic Development Squad where he began competing and representing Britain and then Ireland in a string of international events. PJ qualifies to race for Ireland through his mother’s side of the family, as his grandmother was born and lived in Dublin.

Last year, PJ competed alongside the Irish National Ski Team in the World Junior Nordic Ski Championships and the Senior World Ski Championships (whilst still a junior). He is currently No.1 in Ireland for Sprint and Distance Skiing.

PJ studies Sports and Exercise Science at Robert Gordon University, where he is supported by the RGU: SPORT Scholarship Programme. The Scholarship Programme provides him with a range of tailor-made programmes designed to suit his individual needs, including strength and conditioning sessions, financial assistance and lifestyle management. Like all other sport scholars accepted into the programme, he has full access to the £10 million plus state-of-the-art sports facility, RGU: SPORT, located in the heart of the University’s Garthdee campus.

Neil Brown is Sports Programme Manager at Robert Gordon University:

"Over the years PJ has consistently shown himself to be an extremely strong talent, and we are proud to be instrumental in his training and success. Everyone at RGU: SPORT wishes him all the best for his Olympic debut, and we will be following his progress avidly."

The Winter Olympic Games will be held in Vancouver in February 12–28 this year.