A University of Aberdeen engineering student got a head start on his exam allowing him to sprint to success in a cross country race just a few hours later.
Michael Ferguson, a second year Engineering undergraduate and Sports Bursar won gold at the event, having originally feared he’d miss out due to a clash with his exam.
However, the University’s engineering department allowed Michael, and fellow runner Euan Webster, to start the exam 30 minutes early so they could make the race in Dundee.
“It was an exhausting day, but in a really good way!” Michael said. “After sitting a 3 hour exam at 8.30am with Euan Webster, we rushed down to Dundee to compete in the East Districts cross country.
“I managed to come back with the Under-20 gold medal, so I’m super happy about that! After finishing second last year and fourth the year before, I was chuffed to finally get my first major cross country medal.
“I ‘d like to thank the Engineering department for taking Euan and my situation into account and making the arrangements to allow us to sit the exam a little bit earlier, so we could make it to the race at Camperdown Park.”
Michael and Euan are both coached by Joyce and Ken Hogg, who coach athletes from Aberdeen Athletic Club & Aberdeen University Athletic Club. Joyce and Ken were recently recognised for their work and awarded Scottish Development Coaches of the Year by Scottish Athletics.