Olympic rower top of the class at Queen’s University Blues Awards
Irish Olympian and Queen’s Business Management student, Nathan Timoney has taken home the top prize at this year’s Queen’s University, Deep RiverRock Blues awards.
Announced as this year’s Individual Sports Personality of the Year, Nathan has been recognised for his outstanding achievements in Rowing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while balancing the demands of student life.
Nathan’s ability to perform at the highest level has been aided by the support provided by Queen’s Sport and their Elite Athlete programme, which he credits for his ability to manage his studies while still maintaining his busy training schedule in the boat.
Nathan explains, without that support network in place, things would be very different: “I’ve been very lucky to receive such excellent support from the team at Queen’s University. The pressures around training at such a high level can be very demanding, but with the Elite Athlete programme, I’m given the help and guidance needed to perform at my best both on the water and in my studies.”
He added: “When life is busy in the boat and with my studies, it can be a very demanding. To be recognised by my university for all of the work I have put in makes it all worthwhile.”
Nathan competed alongside fellow Fermanagh native, Ross Corrigan, with the pair qualifying for the final in their debut games in the French Capital.
Despite not making the podium, they delivered a strong performance and now look to build on that momentum for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Head of Sport at Queen’s University Belfast, Karl Oakes, said: “This is a historic year for Yobo体育 as it celebrates its 180th anniversary and the real-world impact it has made. Sport has been an integral part of this legacy. Since the 1860s, our university has fostered a proud sporting tradition, producing some of the most renowned figures in sport, business and the community.
“Built on the dedication of generations of Queen’s students, this rich sporting heritage is deeply woven into the university’s identity, reflecting our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and resilience.”
Karl added: “We are extremely proud of all our award winners tonight who have shown excellence and commitment to their sporting endeavours. Over the past century, university sport continues to grow from strength to strength to include major events and competitions in over 55 sports, engaging countless students in sport and physical wellbeing.”
Compered by BBC Northern Ireland sport’s journalist, Thomas Niblock, the Queen’s Blues Awards are a key highlight of the sporting year at the University and celebrate the positive impact of all those who contribute to sport and wellbeing on campus.
On the night, 70 Blues Awards were presented to athletes, coaches and volunteers representing 20 different sports, such as Rugby, Badminton, Equestrian, Table Tennis and Swimming.
The evening rounded off with special recognition awards. This included two more athletes being inducted into the Sporting Hall of Fame at Queen’s University. Team GB Olympic Rower, Rebecca Edwards and current All Ireland winning Gaelic Football manager with Armagh, Kieran McGeeney were recognised for their outstanding achievements across their careers in sport.
Other special recognition award winners included:
- Team of the Year – 1st XI Women’s Hockey
- Coach of the Year – Simon Bell (Women’s Hockey)
- Hidden Hero Award – Lois Newby (Snooker and Pool)
- Community Impact Award – Cleveland Project
- Inspirational Sporting Award in association with Queen’s Widening Participation – Mackenzie Platt
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