A Perthshire student is hoping to inspire others after picking up a degree from one of the world’s most famous universities while also excelling in sport.
Tobermory Mackay-Champion, who is from Clathy, has this month achieved a first class undergraduate master’s degree in earth sciences (geology) from the University of Oxford.
As of this year, he is also the holder of eight all-time University of Oxford swimming records and British Universities and the Colleges Sport (BUCS) Men’s 200m LC breaststroke champion (2020).
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On a visit back to his old school Glenalmond College this month, Tobermory said his strong advice was for young people to make sure they continue to enjoy taking part in sport and other activities, like music and drama, as well as academic study.
He reckons it is simply not true that youngsters have to choose between sport and academia to succeed, emphasising that sport is incredibly important for the mental health of young people, at school and after they leave school too.
Tobermory said: “It is so important that you make time - and it is possible with careful planning - to take part in sport alongside studying.
“As well as supporting your mental and physical wellbeing, it also means that you get encouragement and support from different groups of friends.”
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He said he had very much enjoyed being back at Glenalmond, saying he has many fond memories of his time at the school where he particularly enjoying singing and taking part in musical productions.
Tobermory has this month been awarded the Oxford-Radcliffe graduate scholarship to study for a DPhil (PhD) in earth sciences (geology) at University College, University of Oxford.
Dr Michael Alderson, Head of Glenalmond, said: “It was wonderful to be able to welcome Tobermory back to Glenalmond and to hear of his strong affection for the school and our staff.
“It is very rewarding for us to see pupils leaving Glenalmond very well prepared for their next steps and to see our former pupils making the most of life, whatever direction they take, after leaving us.”
