World Class
A mighty group of UoB student-athletes marked 63 years of Ivy League exchange by smashing records at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
With over 18,000 athletes in attendance—from high school hopefuls to Olympians—the world-renowned Penn Relays in Philadelphia, USA, is the largest annual track and field event on the planet. In April, a team of ten student-athletes including multiple BUCS champions, Great Britain relay squad members, and international medallists, represented the University of Birmingham and delivered some truly remarkable performances.
Now in its 129th year, the Penn Relays is one of the most prestigious and historic athletics meets on the calendar, attracting top collegiate talent from across the NCAA, Ivy League institutions, and international universities. More than 100,000 spectators attended across the three-day event, which has become an unmissable stage for student-athletes at the very top of their game.
It will be our turn to host Penn and Cornell here again next summer, which we’re looking forward to as always. I’m certain our students have returned with experiences to last a lifetime—and our relationships stateside are stronger than ever.
Team Birmingham was privileged to be the only European team present and the only non-US based university during a year that carried additional significance due to marking a 63-year exchange partnership between The University of Birmingham and Ivy League universities Penn, Harvard, Yale and Cornell.
Celebrating 63 years of Ivy League partnership
The partnership between University of Birmingham and the Ivy League institutions was launched in 1962 by the late Professor Michael Hayes, who drove forward the partnership for many decades. He memorably attended Birmingham’s 2023 event – flying over from Limerick aged 93 especially for the festivities – and his legacy was fondly remembered throughout this most recent and historic trip.
The four-year cycle includes visits to Birmingham from the American universities, whose athletes stay with Birmingham student-athletes for three/four days. During this time the University hosts a formal dinner, as well as organising tourist experiences before the US athletes and staff take part in a double-header match against the University of Birmingham’s Athletics Club, competing for the Bob Ashwood Cup and Professor Michael Hayes Trophy.
Thomas Bridger (red vest, number 7) competing in the 3000m Steeplechase event.
This special transatlantic relationship was celebrated by a reception held on the Friday of last month’s Penn Relay event and brought together a vibrant mix of alumni and academic partners. Among those in attendance were former members of the Athletics Club, including one individual who had competed at the Penn Relays 50 years ago. Another former student now living in the USA also told how she met her husband when the Yale team visited in 2019. Representatives from Rowan University—UoB’s formal exchange partner—joined faculty from the University of Delaware, along with staff from Global Engagement, DARO and UBSport. And, of course, our exceptional student-athletes were at the heart of the festivities.
Out on the track at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field, Team Birmingham did our institution proud, breaking two British university records and showcasing the incredible talent and determination within the squad.
Record-Breaking Performances
Men’s Distance Medley Relay
Tyler Bilyard, Ben Gardiner, Thomas Bridger and Sam Davey clocked 9:42.39 to finish 11th and set a new British university record.
Women’s Sprint Medley Relay
Scarlett Thomas-Wright, Izzy Skelton, Bevan McCaffrey and Alice Bennett placed 8th with a time of 3:58.10—another British university best.
Other standout performances
- Ore Adepegba took victory in the Long Jump with a leap of 7.34m.
- Thomas Bridger achieved the World University Games qualification standard in the 3000m Steeplechase, running 8:49.33.
- Scarlett Thomas-Wright recorded a personal best of 11.96 in the 100m heats, breaking the 12-second barrier for the first time.
- Kimani Jack finished 6th in the High Jump, clearing 2.05m.
(Left-Right) Scarlett Thomas-Wright, Bevan McCaffrey, Izzy Skelton, and Alice Bennett.
Beyond the competition, the team had an opportunity to bond over visits to the cultural and historical sights of Philadelphia including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Reading Terminal Market, a run up the famous “Rocky” steps, and tucking into the city’s iconic Philly cheesesteaks, amounting to an unforgettable trip that embodied what it means to be part of the University of Birmingham.
Luke Gunn, UBSport’s Head of Performance, said:
“I was absolutely delighted to be able to lead a small but mighty team to the historic Penn Relays this year. I was fortunate to compete here myself 18 years ago and have been very keen to bring a University team back ever since.
“The Penn Relays itself marked its 129 anniversary this year—an occasion that made our participation even more meaningful. In our 125th anniversary year, the University is celebrating our wonderful global relationships, including our long-standing exchange with the Ivy League, founded by the late and great Professor Michael Hayes. I know he would have been proud to see us compete so strongly against some of the giants of collegiate athletics.
“It will be our turn to host Penn and Cornell here again next summer, which we’re looking forward to as always. I’m certain our students have returned with experiences to last a lifetime—and our relationships stateside are stronger than ever.”