Elizabeth Hignett will compete in taekwondo at the 2025 European Universities (EUSA) Combat Championships in Warsaw in August.
The multi-sport event will feature competitions in various combat sports, including judo, karate taekwondo and kickboxing, between the best university athletes across the continent.
Elizabeth said: “I am excited to be heading back to EUSA competition this year to fly the flag for our University.
“Knowing I have the backing of the University and access to such amazing training facilities has made all the difference.
“I can’t wait to experience the competition in Warsaw, meet everyone, and give it my all, and hopefully bring a medal home.”
The 22-year-old from Southport, who is working on a PhD in performance analysis, started taekwondo over seven years ago as something to do while her mum was working, and she is now hooked.
In 2024, Elizabeth secured two gold medals and a silver medal at the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Taekwondo Championships.
This year she was recognised at the Team Edge Hill Sports Awards, receiving the ‘Personality of the Year’ accolade. The award, nominated by sports students and then shortlisted by a panel of judges made up from Team Edge Hill and Sport staff, aims to recognise the achievements of a top sports performer within their competitive field.
Lee Nelson, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Elizabeth’s supervisor has said:
“We congratulate Elizabeth for qualifying to compete at the European Combat Championships in Poland and for winning the ‘Personality of the Year’ award at the Edge Hill Sports Awards.
“Elizabeth continues to compete at a high level and complete applied performance analysis work in industry alongside her ongoing doctoral work and associated graduate teaching assistant responsibilities.”
Elizabeth studied BA (Hons) Sports Coaching and Development at Edge Hill, and is currently doing a PhD in performance analysis (GTA). She hopes to teach sports internationally when she finishes.
Elizabeth is currently training three times a week towards the championship and has set up a go fund me to help with the costs of the trip.
Find out more about studying postgraduate sport and physical activity at Edge Hill University
May 14, 2025
