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Coventry University sports scholar overcomes ‘hurdles’ to chase Commonwealth Games dream
Coventry University student and athlete Ethan Akanni
University news / Student news
Wednesday 22 April 2026
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Coventry University is helping athlete Ethan Akanni rediscover his best form as he targets a place at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
After several injury‑hit seasons, hurdler Ethan stepped away from athletics at the start of 2023, returning to competition in 2024 while working as a physiotherapy assistant at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. His recovery journey inspired him to begin an Apprenticeship Master’s in Physiotherapy and Leadership at Coventry University, enabling the 27‑year‑old to continue his NHS role while progressing towards full physiotherapy qualifications.
Ethan, from London, also secured a Coventry University Sports Scholarship, which he says has helped support the progress of his comeback on the track.
Supported by the university’s strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and scholarship funding, he enjoyed a strong 2026 indoor season - winning the 60m hurdles at the Southern U20/Senior Championships and finishing third at the Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships.
That success has boosted his confidence for the outdoor season and for representing Coventry University at the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) Outdoor Championships in May.
With major events like the Commonwealth Games and European Championships taking place in the UK this year, Ethan has set his sights high.
The main thing for me is just to enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, you’re not going to perform well. This season I've had some of my fastest times ever, so I'm really happy with that. There are major events in the UK this year - if I could get to one of those that would be incredible.
Coventry University student and athlete Ethan Akanni
After a difficult few years Ethan is pleased to be returning to form.
In the last few years I changed my job, my training group, my physio - literally everything changed. It was almost like a hard reset. I’ve probably had someone else’s fair share of injuries, but I’ve been able to get back to a good level of fitness. For me, injuries are like a slingshot - you’re pulled back but then you shoot forward more.
Coventry University student and athlete Ethan Akanni
Away from the track, Ethan hopes to support others through physiotherapy.
I’ve always wanted to help people. After getting injured I revisited the idea of being a physio. My trust had an apprenticeship pathway, so it was a no‑brainer. I’m getting paid while studying and my trust supports me financially throughout my course. As a mature student it makes a massive difference as it allows me to fund my training while living a normal adult life.
The support available from the scholarship is amazing. It’s not just strength and conditioning and physio - there’s nutrition, psychology and funding for athletics‑related costs.
I’ve been injured, I’ve come back, and I know what it feels like - that’s something I’ll carry into physio.
Coventry University student and athlete Ethan Akanni
Ethan discovered hurdling by chance at school but the London 2012 Olympics cemented his passion for the sport.
I remember watching and thinking this is so cool. That inspired me. I went down to the local track and one session I saw older athletes doing hurdles. I tried it and it just clicked. This year I just want that same feeling, to enjoy competing and see where it takes me.
Coventry University student and athlete Ethan Akanni
Discover more about sports scholarships.
