Track and field athlete Ollie hopes to qualify for his second Olympics

Student Ollie Dustin has got his mind and body firmly focused on track side training and is hopeful to qualify and compete in the 800 metres track and field event at the Paris Olympics in July.

He joined UoB five years ago to study a Masters in Health Care Technology in the School of Chemical Engineering and has relished his time here as a student and athlete.

Studying and running at UoB

Now in his fifth year, Ollie told us that it’s been a long journey balancing his passion to enter the Olympics and getting a world class degree at the same time but he's 'getting the hang of it now'. His ambition is to be the best in his field, although admits that at times he hasn’t quite got it right and it hasn't been an easy process.

Addressing future and other student athletes, Ollie wisely states that it ‘really takes work and dedication on both parts' to motivate yourself both academically and on the track. He tells us, ‘You have to be very dedicated to both’ and not neglect one for the other which at times he has struggled with. 

When asked about what his coursemates thought about his achievements, Ollie shockingly told us that they don't know! But, probably because 'there's only like 6 people' on his course. However he notes that he 'couldn’t have been on this journey' without the support from his academic department and his sport practitioners and who he says, ‘are the best in the world’.

Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics 2024

Nervously, Ollie admits to feeling apprehensive with the pressure to perform to qualify for his second Olympics but he’s hopeful he'll smash it. Ollie looks forward to the coming months of intense training and to push things forward on the world stage.

We wish Ollie lots of good luck and well wishes to qualify in the GB trials in June. He has the support from UoB and his coaches all the way to the finishing line!

Want to keep up with our student athletes at the Olympics?

Follow UoB Sports and Fitness’ new blog series, ‘Pathway to Paris’, where you can learn more about the role our students, coaches, alumni, and the University will play in this summer’s Olympics.

You can also follow Ollie on Instagram @oliver_dustin_