Injury-hit athlete credits university for recovery

Ethan Akanni said Coventry University's strength and conditioning coaches helped him get back on his hurdling journey [Coventry University]

An athlete who stepped away from sport after suffering from several injuries has credited his university with helping him recover and return to competition.

Ethan Akanni is now targeting a place at this year's Commonwealth Games.

The 27-year-old hurdler is studying an apprenticeship master's in physiotherapy and leadership at Coventry University, as well as being supported by a sports scholarship, and said he has enjoyed a strong 2026 indoor season.

He said: "For me, injuries are like a slingshot - you're pulled back but then you shoot forward more."

Akanni, who is continuing to work in the NHS while studying, said: "I've probably had someone else's fair share of injuries, but I've been able to get back to a good level of fitness."

Akanni has gone on to win the 60m hurdles at the Southern U20/Senior Championships and finished third at the Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships.

Ethan Akanni said his love for hurdling was cemented after watching the London Olympics in 2012 [Coventry University]

Now, he wants to take on an outdoor season while representing the university at the British Universities and Colleges Sports Outdoor Championships in May.

Akanni said: "The main thing for me is just to enjoy it. If you don't enjoy it, you're not going to perform well.

"There are major events in the UK this year - if I could get to one of those that would be incredible."

"The support available from the scholarship is amazing. It's not just strength and conditioning and physio - there's nutrition, psychology and funding for athletics‑related costs.