CLASS 0F 2023: Jemima exercises a degree of sporting prowess

Jemima Yeates-Brown, 27, originally from Kent, has exercised a degree of sporting prowess by graduating from the University of Wolverhampton with a First Class degree in Sport & Exercise Science.

Jemima, a British judoka who trains full-time at the British Judo Centre of Excellence at the University’s Walsall Campus, is a Commonwealth bronze medallist.

She moved up to Wolverhampton to join the World Class Performance team at British Judo. She said: “It’s been an amazing journey for me, I joined the University seven years ago and I encountered a lot of difficulties and obstacles but to finally walk across that stage has been a really great day for me.

“When I was at school, I didn’t really enjoy it but I was always really sporty, I was a high-level gymnast and I moved into judo and then it became about getting as far as I can and the ultimate goal is to get to the Olympic Games next year in Paris.

“I was really interested in studying for a degree in Sport & Exercise because I wanted to drill down behind the scenes into what it takes to get an athlete to win, looking at nutrition, psychology, strength and conditioning and how all those areas come together to help athletes be the best they can.

“The best thing about the course is the practical and hands-on elements and the tutors were so supportive of me being an elite athlete.”

Jemima wants to progress in her sports career and keep competing at the highest level, with a view to pursue a career as a Sports Scientist – helping the next generation of athletes to be the best that they can be.

“My advice to anyone thinking about applying to study at the University would be to go for it – you don’t have to be the cleverest or the smartest as long as you work hard and don’t give up.  The Uni can get you from thinking you can’t do much to achieving everything you ever thought you could. The support from the Uni will get you through it.”

Jemima finished fifth at the 2018 World Championships in Baku. She took bronze at the World Juniors in 2014 U63kg. As Cadet she was European Champion in 2011. She took medals at the Grand Slam Abu Dhabi and Grand Prix in Qingdao among others. Jemima bagged silver at the European Open in Sarajevo in 2021. She captured the gold medal at the European Open in Cluj Napoca in 2022. She clinched a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. She took a bronze medal at the Oceania Open in Perth in 2022. She bagged a bronze medal at the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi in 2022.

Graduates are encouraged to keep in touch with the Alumni team and take advantage of a range of benefits and support on offer to them including a discount for Postgraduate study and opportunities to benefit from volunteering and career advice.   

Find out more about School of Sport courses on the website or visit one of our Open Days for more information about studying at the University.  

Congratulations, Jemima!