Injury-hit athlete credits university for recovery

6 hours ago

Shannen HeadleyWest Midlands

News image — Ethan Akanni said Coventry University's strength and conditioning coaches helped him get back on his hurdling journey

Coventry University A man wearing a blue sports top crossing his arms, stood on a staircase — Ethan Akanni said Coventry University's strength and conditioning coaches helped him get back on his hurdling journey

An athlete who stepped away from sport after suffering from several injuries has credited his university with helping him recover and return to competition.

Ethan Akanni is now targeting a place at this year's Commonwealth Games.

The 27-year-old hurdler is studying an apprenticeship master's in physiotherapy and leadership at Coventry University, as well as being supported by a sports scholarship, and said he has enjoyed a strong 2026 indoor season.

He said: "For me, injuries are like a slingshot - you're pulled back but then you shoot forward more."

Akanni, who is continuing to work in the NHS while studying, said: "I've probably had someone else's fair share of injuries, but I've been able to get back to a good level of fitness."

Akanni has gone on to win the 60m hurdles at the Southern U20/Senior Championships and finished third at the Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships.

Coventry University Ethan is hurdling, picture mid-air in front of a university building — Ethan Akanni said his love for hurdling was cemented after watching the London Olympics in 2012

Now, he wants to take on an outdoor season while representing the university at the British Universities and Colleges Sports Outdoor Championships in May.

Akanni said: "The main thing for me is just to enjoy it. If you don't enjoy it, you're not going to perform well.

"There are major events in the UK this year - if I could get to one of those that would be incredible."

"The support available from the scholarship is amazing. It's not just strength and conditioning and physio - there's nutrition, psychology and funding for athletics‑related costs.

"I've been injured, I've come back, and I know what it feels like - that's something I'll carry into physio."

Ethan discovered hurdling by chance at school but the London 2012 Olympics cemented his passion for the sport.

He said: "I remember watching and thinking this is so cool. That inspired me. I went down to the local track and one session I saw older athletes doing hurdles. I tried it and it just clicked.

"This year I just want that same feeling, to enjoy competing and see where it takes me."

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