Hull student helps Team GB get set for Olympics

A University of Hull student is playing a key role in the build-up to the Olympic Games this summer – by helping ensure each Team GB athlete receives the correct kit they’ll need to compete.

Kitting Out is the event held where each athlete will officially collect their Team GB kit for the Games. Since many of the athletes will be competing at their first Olympic Games, trying on the official kit for the first time is a huge milestone, giving them a sense of what it means to represent their country at the highest level.

As part of the University’s exclusive partnership with Team GB, a University of Hull student has been offered the opportunity to support the data and statistical analysis of the kitting-out process.

Miranda Maimela, who is studying for a Masters in Data Science, has been selected for the role with Team GB – as a result of her data expertise and her understanding of the importance of the project.

Miranda is analysing the individual kit requirements of each Team GB athlete to make sure the correct kit is co-ordinated in advance.

Spanning six weeks, the project schedule is flexible to enable Miranda to continue her University studies, while providing her with a broad range of transferable skills.

Miranda said: “After the hard-work and dedication that each athlete has shown to reach an Olympic Games, the least they deserve is to feel the sense of pride at pulling on a Team GB jersey for the first time – and for it to be in the correct size!

“I am determined to not let the current troubling times spoil what is such a significant landmark for each Team GB athlete.”

By looking at data from previous Kitting Out events, Miranda is determining what sizes each athlete and support staff member will require, taking into account the specific fit of each item of competition, training and leisure wear, and any special requests they may have.

“Team GB have shown great faith in me with such an important project, which is the confidence boost I need to make sure I do the best job possible.

The University of Hull Student Futures team worked with Team GB to understand the requirements of the project, develop the role description and help to identify the ideal candidate.

Lynsey Hamilton, Games Services Co-ordinator, said: “Miranda’s enthusiasm was infectious, and her understanding of data analysis was clearly evident. We are excited she is able to join the team on a work experience placement to support the Kitting Out project.”

John Harrison, Head of Student Futures, said: “It is great to have these exclusive work experience opportunities to offer our students as part of the Team GB partnership. Our team provides a wealth of expertise and experience which has meant we have been able to put forward high quality candidates for this work experience opportunity. Now that Miranda has been selected, we are able to support all of the applicants as they look for other opportunities.

The Kitting Out project is the latest example of the exciting range of Team GB activities that have taken place at the University since the partnership began in January 2019. Last month, the University announced double Olympic Champion, Max Whitlock, as a new ambassador.

Other activities include an ongoing research project reflecting on British Olympic champions of the past in order to inspire current Team GB athletes to achieve success at the Games this summer. Other events on campus have included a series of Team GB appearances where athletes have shared their personal goal-setting and medal-winning experiences with students, and a family sports event for local schools and colleges. In November 2019, one lucky student went to Tokyo to assist with a virtual reality project to help prepare athletes for Tokyo 2020.

The University’s partnership with Team GB includes the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. The partnership is borne out of a synergy between the University’s ambitions and beliefs, and those of Team GB and is built on the belief that there is extraordinary in everyone. The ‘Kitting Out’ project is just one example of the opportunities afforded to students to demonstrate their own extraordinary talents.

The University’s award winning* Student Futures team equips our students with the tools needed to achieve their potential in the world of work and help them make and implement well-informed decisions about their careers and professional development. For career advice and support, students can click here to contact the Student Futures team.