For Black History Month, we spoke to some of our Black athletes on their experiences of sport at UCL...
Seye Bolade
UCL Jitsu Club, former President 2004/05
How has sport defined your time at UCL?
Sport was one of the defining elements of my time at UCL and has shaped a significant portion of my time as an alumnus. Prior to starting at UCL and taking up Jiu Jitsu, I had never considered myself particularly sporty and most assuredly not a competitor. But when I started Jiu Jitsu, I found a club full of people who believed in me, and a sensei who pushed me (even when I hesitated) to compete. I had doubts about my ability right up until my first Nationals event that I went to. In that final I found myself quickly pinned and running out of time, but with a handful of seconds left, with my club roaring me on, I did what I’d thought was impossible: I found the resolve to escape the hold, reverse the tables and pin my opponent for victory. That moment etched itself into me. I learned the power, not of winning, but of belief and being believed in. I never looked back. I was inspired even as a novice, to want to bring that kind of feeling to others. So I set out as a callow 19 year old to get my blackbelt and set up a club in South London, so that other people from outside the university sphere, and especially from the local community, could have somewhere to grow, to believe and to be believed in. That’s kept me going all these years, led me to setting up South Norwood Jitsu Club and it continues to sustain me. Sport has been, and continues to be, a gift for me.
What is your greatest sporting achievement at UCL?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have many memorable moments. Winning double gold at the TJJF Randoris multiple times, getting top Dan ( post-UCL), and of course getting that first gold Medal – I can’t tell you how much it changed that skinny guy with baggy clothes. But my favourite sporting achievement is probably winning the Atemi’s Nationals for the first time as a Brown Belt. I’d missed out on getting to the final as a dark blue belt and suffered injuries that caused me to miss the Atemi’s as a purple belt, so when I made the final as a brown belt, I was genuinely happy, excited and a little relieved because there was some expectation placed upon as I was representing UCL as an instructor for the first time. Actually winning the final, and then being ridiculous enough to chance entering the Open was just a ball. I went in like a kid with a smile on my face, and surprised everyone ( myself most of all) by placing 4th amongst all the established blackbelts. It felt like a moment of ‘Arrival’ amongst the instructors, and still brings a smile to my face to this day.
What has been your proudest/favourite moment with TeamUCL?
Probably my favourite moment with UCL Jitsu Club was winning the club shield for both the Randori Nationals and the Atemi Nationals the year that I was president. It had been a few years since UCL had done the ‘double’ and we had the most outrageous cohort of talent that we had recruited and grown. We took a small army to both nationals, ran the show at the competitions and on the dancefloor, and made memories that I treasure to that day. The camaraderie, the fun, the laughter and the bling ( medal haul for the club and the Shield). It was the best of times. To top it off, being part of that as President, and helping in my small way to make that happen, was a wonderful experience for me.
Why should students get involved with sport at UCL?
As a Black alumni, and as someone who turned up to UCL unsure of myself and what I was capable of, I think sport can be a huge lift for students. It can provide confidence – internal and external, friendship, encouragement, challenge and growth. It also, crucially, teaches resilience. How to come back from an injury, How to come back from a loss, how to come back from disappointment. And the power of ‘going again’ – putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, the type to test a person. And consequently learning that you are capable of more than you knew win or lose. These lessons are crucial for students as they prepare for life beyond university. They are arguably more essential for people from minority groups and DEI spheres. The world is not a fair place, but it does respond to self-belief, perseverance and determination. Sport provides and ongoing opportunity to learn and practice all three characteristics, and fundamentally grow as a result. It’s changed me – it’ll change you.
One of the sub-themes for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Icons of Influence’. Are there any friends, teammates or athletes that you consider an icon?
What a great question. My sporting icons are varied but three that immediately come to mind are Michael Johnson, Roger Federer and Dam Kelly Holmes. Each displayed phenomenal ability, but even more so, incredible determination to push themselves, to chase greatness, to create moments in time. And then to use their platforms to promote kindness and goodness – through charities, outreach and donations. They each inspired me to try and be the best version of myself and moreover, to try and use my voice, where I can, to push for better. They are true icons for me.