Athlete Profile: Harry Grindle

Name

Harry Grindle

Course and Year of Study

MSc Criminology & Criminal Justice, 1st Year

College

Linacre College

Sport

Athletics

Club

Oxford University Athletics Club & Thames Valley Harriers

Highest Competition Level

International

Best Achievement

British Athletics AASE Performance Pathway / making the 400m U17 England National Final after only 2 months in the event / captaining the Yale track & field team.

Short Term Aspirations

Win my events at the Varsity Match. Qualify for Olympic Trials.

Long Term Aspirations

Medal at the International Level.

How did you get into the sport?

I played lots of sports growing up and having a bit of speed was always useful. A few football and rugby coaches commented on my athleticism and testing the track & field waters seemed like the logical next step.

What is your advice on balancing sport and academia?

Instead of focusing on how sports and academia may take time away from one another, try to reframe this dynamic as each part providing a necessary break from the other. It is impossible to spend every hour of the day working on just one, so conceptualise training and studying as well-earned breaks from the other. Looking at the balancing act from this angle will make you feel more productive.