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Rian Snell, a Ï㽶ÊÓƵ student and transplant athlete, has won gold in both the British and the European Championships, with his goal to become world champion

Press contact: Joseph Barker | joseph.barker@shu.ac.uk

Rian recently completed his first year studying Sport and Exercise Science in Sheffield Hallam’s School of Sport and Physical Activity and is the first PASP (Performance Athlete Support Programme) participant from Sport Hallam to represent Great Britain at The Transplant Games.  

The Performance Athlete Support Programme offers a variety of support for talented student athletes, enabling them to balance university life while achieving their sporting potential. 

Last week, Rian competed in hosted in Oxford, winning gold in long jump. 

Rian received a kidney transplant from his mother at the age of three after being born with renal failure.  

Rian said: “Receiving a life-saving transplant at three and a half gave me a second chance—one I’ve dedicated to sport since first competing at the British Transplant Games at age four. Overcoming setbacks, training hard, and representing Great Britain on the world stage have all been possible thanks to organ donation, a gift from my mother.  

“Every achievement, every moment on the track, is a celebration of life, mine and the countless others who’ve received this incredible gift.” 

Rian has been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the 100m, long jump and 4 x 100m relay at  

Adam Barr, Sport Programmes and Partnerships Manager, said: ““We’re incredibly proud of Rian and his achievements as one of our Performance Athlete Support Programme athletes. Balancing academic studies with competing in National and World Transplant Championships is no small task.  

“At Hallam, we’re fortunate to support many dual career athletes, and Rian exemplifies how dedication and enthusiasm can lead to excellence both academically and athletically. Huge congratulations to Rian and good luck in the World Transplant Championships.'' 

Ruth M Crabtree, Head of the School of Sport and Physical Activity added: “Huge congratulations to Rian winning gold in the long jump at the British Transplant Games, what a fantastic achievement. Rian truly demonstrates that resilience, hard work, enthusiasm and sheer determination can result in success at the highest sporting level, and beyond.  Well done to Rian and Sport Hallam, we look forward to cheering on Rian at the Games next year, which will be hosted in Sheffield.” 

The Transplant Games aim to demonstrate the benefits of transplantation, encouraging transplant patients to regain fitness, whilst increasing public awareness of the need for more people to join the NHS Organ Donation Register.