A STUDENT athlete has been able to compete on the world stage thanks to a grant from his university.

Powerlifter Andrew Richardson, who studies at Teesside University, represented Ireland at the World Championships in Texas and the World University Championships in Belarus.

But his dreams of competing were nearly shattered because of a lack of funding and he was unable to finance the trips himself while studying.

Mr Richardson, who is in the final year of a sport and exercise degree, was able to apply for a newly-introduced Student Experience Fund – a funding stream which allows students to access grants for specific projects of activities.

After gaining the grant, he travelled to Texas to compete and be assistant coach for the Irish team. In Belarus he secured a top five finish with two individual third places. He is ranked 75th in the world in the 105kg class.

Mr Richardson was a promising rugby player as a teenager but an injury cut his career short and he turned to powerlifting. During his time studying, he also set up Teesside Barbarians, the university’s first powerlifting club which has won the Northern Universities contest on two occasions.