In April, the annual Sports Award Holders’ trip took place at the University of Bath. It was an excellent opportunity for us in the Lower Sixth to experience one of the world’s best university sports facilities, as Bath was recently named ‘Sport University of the Year 2026’.
Upon arrival we were greeted by Jonathan Robinson, an applied sport scientist, along with three students studying degrees in sports science. We began in the sport science laboratory, where we were given an overview of the facilities and machines they used to carry out a wide range of performance assessments. These facilities have previously supported Olympians and world-class performers in sports such as swimming and cycling.
We were then given the opportunity to participate in some specialised testing. Where Kenechi completed a VO2 max test, which involved running on a treadmill in sets of three minutes, with the pace of the treadmill increasing each time. He wore a mask that measured the amount of oxygen he inhaled and the amount of carbon dioxide he exhaled.
After six sets of three minutes, he was given his VO2 max which indicates the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilise during intense aerobic exercise. This test is commonly performed by endurance athletes and is very demanding. It requires specialist equipment which is rarely accessible outside of a professional sports science environment.
In addition, Conor and Tom took part in a Wingate Anaerobic Test, which involves cycling at maximum effort against resistance for thirty seconds to measure explosive power. The test calculates power output in watts per kilogram of body weight, making it particularly relevant for power and sprint-based athletes.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group, including myself, took part in a strength assessment using the Concept2 StrengthErg. This machine uses air resistance to measure strength across three key movements; bench press, leg press and bench pull. It provided an accurate measure of the peak force we were able to generate.
After a lunch break to refuel and rehydrate, we completed further assessments, including hamstring flexibility, a 20m sprint, grip strength, back strength and jump testing. The results of all of these tests were shared with our school’s sports staff, allowing us to use the data to support our development in our respective sports.
Following this, we attended a lecture delivered by Jonathan Robinson on sports science. He spoke about the university’s facilities as well as the role of sports scientists and what studying the subject at university involves. This was particularly insightful, as it gave us a clearer understanding of potential pathways within sport.
We were then given a tour of the university’s facilities by the sports science students. This included a 50m swimming pool, tennis courts, track and field areas, multi-use games areas and several fully equipped gyms with a wide range of strength and conditioning equipment.
To round off the day, we had the opportunity to watch and meet members of Great Britain’s swimming team, with four athletes training at the university. Their coach kindly answered our questions, which was a valuable opportunity to gain insight into elite-level training and learn more about a sport that some of us were less familiar with.
From the trip, I learnt how sports scientists use testing and assessments to help athletes excel in their sports. I also learnt more about a degree in sports science such as what you study and do as part of your degree. It was interesting to find out that sports science is becoming one of the most popular degrees. What I found inspirational was seeing the facilities and support available at the University of Bath and how the students and coaches help support the athletes through physiological tests. What I enjoyed the most was participating in the Concept2 StrengthErg test as it showed us our peak strength in different movements of exercise.
The trip as a whole was also particularly interesting as we were able to tour a professional sports university and see what sports they offer, how testing works and the facilities which they have. I feel as though this trip has really helped me in regards to what university I want to go to after Abingdon and that I’m now considering Bath for their amazing sporting facilities.
Thank you to the sports department and staff for taking us to the University of Bath for this experience.
Written by Oliver (Lower Sixth)
