Team Keele is celebrating a standout weekend at the 2026 BUCS Nationals, returning with two bronze medals from Keele Talented Athletes Bethany Brierly and Olivia Bell.

We also saw a series of personal bests and club records across Athletics, Swimming, and Fencing. The results mark another high point in what has already been an exceptional year for our sports clubs.

Bronze in Senior Women’s Sabre – Bethany Brierley

Keele fencer Bethany Brierley delivered an outstanding performance to secure Bronze in the Senior Women’s Sabre.
Bethany arrived at the championships as one of the most exciting athletes to watch, having been named on the BUCS “One to Watch” list.

Her achievements prior to BUCS underline her elite pedigree:

• Former #1 ranked British junior
• Currently ranked #9 in Senior British Women’s Sabre
• 2023 Welsh Open Sabre Champion
• 2025 Team Keele, Sportsperson of the Year

Her bronze medal adds to an already impressive fencing résumé and highlights her continued rise within British fencing.

Bronze in the Women’s 400m – Olivia Bell

On the track, Olivia Bell produced one of the defining moments of the weekend as she stormed to Bronze in the Women’s 400m.
Olivia clocked 54.73 seconds, a brilliant personal best, showcasing her speed, strength and continued development as one of Keele’s leading athletes.

Across Swimming, Athletics and Fencing, Keele athletes delivered inspiring performances, with many students achieving new Keele University records, multiple personal bests and strong finishes against top national competitors

Beyond Nationals, the 2025–26 season has already been a landmark year for Team Keele across multiple sports:

• The Men’s Hockey team secured promotion, capping off a superb league campaign.
• In Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (Grade 2), Mia Wilson finished 5th overall, including an outstanding 1st place on Beam.
• Keele Trampolining claimed multiple medals at the NEUT Leeds Open, reflecting the depth of talent within the club.
• At the BUCS British University Dryslope Championships, Ryan Bloom secured Gold in the Men’s Slalom, marking one of Keele’s major BUCS victories of the year.
• Keele Netball continue their strong season and will compete in the Northern Conference Cup Final in March.

With more major competitions and league results still to come, Team Keele’s 2025–26 season is shaping up to be one of the most successful in recent years.