AU Olympics strikes gold.

12 teams took part in the competition which was organised and run by the AU and the Athletics Club.  11 teams of eight were put forward by different AU societies, with each side going to great pains to select competitors with the right agility, stamina and strength to take on a number of Olympic themed challenges.

The twelfth team consisted of AU President Joe Batten who made a valiant solo effort, competing in every event, including the relay, as an individual. Joe commented ““It was a fantastic evening and great to see so many AU clubs coming together.

There has been a brilliant atmosphere here tonight, and everybody has been willing to get involved and enjoy the competition. A massive thank you has to be said to the University of Exeter Athletics Club for running the event; they have done an excellent job.”

The evening began with an opening ceremony in which the “Olympians” were addressed by the Chairman of the AU Olympics Board, Dr Bruce Coleman. The Athletic Union flag was then raised to signal the start of the first events.

The teams took part in a number of track and field challenges which included tricep dips, relays, hurdles, a medicine ball shot put, standing long jumps, high jumps and rowing. Each event offered 12 points for first place, 11 for second, descending all the way down to one point for last place. After every result the scores were displayed on a large scoreboard in the Sports Hall so athletes could track the progress of their team.

The competition was fierce but in the end the Athletics Club dominated proceedings, scooping the top prize for the mixed and overall team events. The Women’s Rugby Club took the ladies’ trophy while Rowing bagged victory in the men’s category.

Athletics Club president Tyler Johnson commented “The event went incredibly well with teams that spanned across 12 AU clubs engaging with their competitive sides whilst having fun and raising money for a great cause. After the success of this event, an outdoor Olympics will hopefully take place, coinciding with International Sport Month next term. Thanks everyone who came along to help, compete and support.”

The Athletic Union is enjoying a very successful season in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league. The University of Exeter currently lies fifth the competition which sees over 150 institutions across the UK compete in over 50 different disciplines. Last year the University of Exeter finished a brilliant seventh and is hoping to build on this achievement this season.

AU Olympics overall results table: