Reading University student won gold for Paralympics GB

21-year-old Ed Fuller, a geography student at the University of Reading, competed in the final along with his teammates in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four event on Sunday, September 1.

Dr Stuart Black, head of school at the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, said: "We are so proud of Ed.

Ed Fuller at the front of the boat with his teammates (Image: ParalympicsGB/imagecomms)

“He is an extremely disciplined and dedicated individual who has shown us all the value of hard work during his time at Reading.

“We can't wait to welcome him back so we can celebrate his fantastic achievement.”

Finishing ahead of both the USA and France, Ed and his teammates came first after setting a world-record time in the heats on Friday, August 30, when the team rowed home in 6:43:68.

Ed Fuller (second to left) celebrating the win (Image: ParalympicsGB/imagecomms)

Reflecting on the team’s victory, Ed the University of Reading student hailing from Exeter, said: “Studying at Reading meant I was able to train with an amazing team of coaches and colleagues who all helped me get to where I am today.

“Winning gold means so much to me, my family and my friends. I have won titles before but finishing first at the Paralympics is the ultimate dream come true.

Ed Fuller with his rowing teammates (Image: ParalympicsGB/imagecomms)

“I’m so proud of myself and my team for all our hard work. I would like to thank everyone at the University of Reading for showing faith in me – from being selected for the Sporting Excellence Scholarship to the support shown by my lecturers, coaches and teammates."

Funded by the University of Reading Sporting Excellence Scholarship, Ed, was able to participate in the Games after choosing to study for his geography degree part-time.

Ed Fuller (second from left) celebrating the win. (Image: ParalympicsGB/imagecomms)

This allowed Ed, who has haemophilia, to train regularly at Reading University Boat Club and with his ParalympicsGB teammates. 

Will Rand, director of Rowing at Reading University Boat Club, said: "We all knew what Ed was capable of before he went to Paris and we are so pleased he's now shown the world what he can do.

Ed Fuller (second from left) with his teammates. (Image: ParalympicsGB/imagecomms)

“Ed has been a joy to work with during his time at the University. I'm looking forward to working with him to inspire the next generation of rowers at Reading."

ParalympicsGB’s Mixed Coxed Four success makes it 14 years unbeaten and extends the longest winning streak in British sport.