STAFF and students from Bridgwater College attended the AoC National Championships 2015 at Bath University after 16 students qualified to represent the South-West in their chosen sports.

The 37th national championships, one of the largest annual sporting events in England, were a great success celebrating college sport.

The competition saw a large turn-out with nearly 1,800 students attending and going up against each other in 14 disciplines.

Bridgwater College’s Rhianne O’Donnell competed in the women’s squash event and won the gold medal for the South-West, showing why she is one of the most successful participants in the history of the championships.

The South-West Women’s Trampolining squad, including Bridgwater College students Tanzy Watkins, Rosie Gibbs and Ashleigh Potter in a squad of six, finished in second place.

The male trampolinists, the squad including Caleb Staple, Mason Page and Nathan Tabberer from Bridgwater College, executed their routines well and ended the championships in fourth, winning the South-West valuable points.

Bridgwater College student Charlie Attwood also represented the South-West team.

He is top ranked swimmer for his age group in Europe and scored a massive 22 points by winning gold in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, equalling his double win in last year's championships.

Tanzy Watkins, college sports and exercise science student and women’s trampolining silver medallist, said: “For my first time at the nationals it was an amazing and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“One thing that was clear throughout the different sports you watched or took part in was that you could see the amount of effort the whole team put in, but also how supportive they were to the other competitors competing as part of the South-West.

“I think it was a well-deserved win for everyone who took part but also for all the coaching and members of staff that made it such an amazing experience.”