Silver-medal-winning alumnus returns to campus | News

September 2026

From University College Birmingham student to Commonwealth Games silver medallist: Max Gregory returns to campus

By Claire Huggins

Share post:

Read time: approx 5 mins

As new and returning students begin the academic year at University College Birmingham (UCB), Commonwealth Games silver medallist and alumnus Max Gregory returned to campus during WelcomeFest, reflecting on his own student journey and the support that helped him balance academic study with an elite judo career.

The visit came as WelcomeFest hosted a record number of stalls and stands, providing students with opportunities to discover the range of support, services and activities available across the University. It also offered a chance for Max to catch up with senior lecturer in sports therapy, Gareth Bate, who worked with him during his time at UCB and was part of Team Scotland's support staff at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Today, Max's image features prominently in UCB's Human Performance Centre alongside fellow athlete alumni, Gieona Kaja-Cuedajri, Jess Fassnidge and Sadam Koumi, celebrating sporting achievement while showcasing what students can accomplish during and after their studies.

From nervous fresher to international success

Winning silver in the -100kg category for Team England at the Commonwealth Games marks another milestone in Max's impressive sporting journey, but he still remembers the nerves that accompanied his first days as a student.

After moving from Plymouth to the Midlands to pursue full-time judo training, Max arrived at University College Birmingham facing the challenge of balancing higher education with the demands of elite sport.

"I just remember being nervous but excited at the same time,” said Max.

“I'd moved up from Plymouth, so it was starting my new life, starting training full-time at the same time as starting university."

Although his ambition was always to take judo as far as possible, studying Sports Management BA (Hons) provided valuable insight into the sporting sector and helped him better understand the environment in which he was competing.

"It was beneficial to have a broader understanding of the kind of system that I was in," he explains.

"Make sure you get the support from the people around you. There are people there for a reason to help you."

Max Gregory Commonwealth Games silver medallist and UCB alumnus

Making the most of support at University College Birmingham

Now preparing for his first senior World Championships following his Commonwealth Games success in Glasgow, Max believes one lesson remains as relevant today as it was during his own time as a student: make use of the support available around you.

Asked what advice he would give to students balancing their studies with sporting ambitions, work commitments or other passions, he stressed the importance of seeking help when needed.

"Make sure you get the support from the people around you. There are people there for a reason to help you with that."

Reflecting on his experiences at University College Birmingham, he added: "The university is very helpful."

"There's no point trying to struggle by yourself. You might as well just speak to everyone, 'What can we do about this?' and work it out together."

For students starting or returning to University College Birmingham this week, Max's story demonstrates how academic support, open communication and a strong support network can help turn ambitions into achievements, whether in sport, business or any other field.

Gareth Bate with Max Gregory

An inspirational example for current students

Welcoming Max back to campus, Gareth Bate highlighted the impact that successful alumni can have on those following in their footsteps.

"Max and I got a chance to grab a coffee at the Games which was fun, but it's always brilliant to welcome back our graduates to the University,” Gareth explains.

“Seeing successful graduates is aspirational for the students. They also have assurance that we’re their biggest fans, and our support services are there to help them pursue their ambitions throughout their time with us, and beyond."

As teaching gets underway across University College Birmingham, Max's return serves as a reminder that students do not have to pursue their ambitions alone. From arriving on campus as a nervous new student to standing on the Commonwealth Games podium, his journey highlights the opportunities available to those willing to work hard, ask for support and make the most of everything university life has to offer.

Find out more about our Department of Sport courses.