Congratulations to Team Surrey athletes Ayaan Mahmood and Rhianna Patel who competed at the European University Combat Championships in Warsaw at the end of August.
Check out Ayaan & Rhianna’s story’s below.
Ayaan’s Story:
I qualified for the European University Combat Championship, in Warsaw, Poland, representing Team GB and Team Surrey for Taekwondo.
I am extremely grateful to qualify for the European Championship after achieving 2 Silver Place Medals at the 24/25 Taekwondo BUCS competitions, representing Team Surrey.
For this BUCS rotation I placed overall #2 in my fighting category for the year, earning me the spot to qualify and represent University of Surrey and Team GB on the international stage.
This was my first ranked international competition, a G1 competition and I am so unbelievably grateful to share the stage with world ranked athletes and go toe to toe with them, on only one year of High Class Taekwondo experience.
Being surrounded by other GB university athletes, who I am grateful to call close friends, at this competition was an amazing experience. I wasn't just there to compete, but to establish closer relationships with my fellow athletes, competitors, friends and coaches. This competition was an experience I will never forget.
Although I didn't achieve my goal of returning from the competition with a medal, this is only the beginning of my professional Taekwondo career. I plan to compete internationally more and more and to return as a better athlete each time and if Allah (SWT) wills, grant me a medal.
Rhianna’s Story:
This academic year in BUCS I achieved a gold, silver and bronze which allowed me to qualify for the European University Combat Games in Warsaw, Poland. This was my second time competing in the EUSA games and representing Team Surrey on an international level. I was very excited for this event as I have never been to Poland before. I really enjoyed the opening ceremony and was proud to represent Team Surrey.
I managed to get to round of 16, however I lost my fight to a Cyprus. Even though it wasn't the result I wanted I gained more experience and have only grown in confidence. I am thankful for the support of my friends and family and my coach who flew out and me.
Overall, I gained valuable experience which will help me in further competitions. My next steps are to qualify again next year as well as compete in more ranking point competitions. My next competition will be the German open which is a G2 competition, this is where I will be able to acquire ranking points.