Head Endurance Coach, George Gandy devoted most of his working life to sport at Loughborough. He began his journey with the University in 1971 as a member of staff and undertook an MSc degree in Human Biology, graduating in 1975.
George received an Honorary Degree from the University in 2008 and was a member of academic staff in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences from 1971-2009. He simultaneously gave long service as the Director of Athletics.
Alongside his work at the University, George became an honorary UK National Endurance Coach from 1990-1997, before taking a similar role on a full-time basis from 2009 2013. He returned later in 2013 to the University as its Lead Endurance Coach (Athletics).
George was the driving force behind the Loughborough International Athletics meet (LIA) and contributed to the development of hundreds of university and college athletes, ensuring they had the opportunity to compete on home turf.
George coached and advised more than eighty international athletes, which included major championship medallists such as Lord Sebastian Coe, Jack Buckner, Paula Radcliffe, Lisa Dobriskey and Chris McGeorge.
George passed away in October 2020 aged 80, and Georges family and friends have come together to establish the George Gandy Legacy fund at Loughborough, in his memory.
Our goal is to raise money for Georges Legacy Fund that will be used to provide funding support for annual grants to potential top-tier athletes, who are not supported by the National Governing Body funding mechanisms, coming to compete and study at Loughborough University and Loughborough College.
These grants will enable recipients to benefit from world-class athletic coaching and training at Loughborough, funding towards athletic apparel, travel to fixtures, and meet their nutritional, psychological and rehabilitation needs, balancing the demands of being an elite athlete whilst studying at Loughborough. The grant/s will be offered to the worthiest candidates as selected by the George Gandy Legacy Fund panel consisting of university/college representatives and other key stakeholders.
The fund is open to both female or male athletes, in further education, undergraduate or post-graduate level of study at both Loughborough University and Loughborough College. George believed very strongly in equal access to sport and education to people from any background and scholarships will be given to candidates that demonstrate commitment, persistence, loyalty and tenacity in furthering their athletic ambitions whilst undertaking study at Loughborough.
We have an initial fundraising target of £50,000 to launch the fund, and we hope we will be able to award many grants in memory of George. We hope that Georges legacy will continue to help young people at Loughborough for many years to come!
George is survived by his wife Stephanie and his sons Steve and Nick.
Thank you for your help in making the George Gandy Legacy Fund a reality.
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