Coventry University hurdler targets Commonwealth Games return
Coventry University student, Ethan Akanni, is rebuilding his career following injury-hit seasons
Coventry University athlete, Ethan Akanni, is working towards a return to top-level competition as he targets selection for this year’s Commonwealth Games.
The 27-year-old hurdler from London stepped away from athletics in 2023 after a series of injuries, before returning to competition in 2024 while working as a physiotherapy assistant at the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.
Ethan has since begun an Apprenticeship Master’s in Physiotherapy and Leadership at Coventry University, alongside his NHS role.
Akanni also holds a sports scholarship, which has contributed to his training and recovery programme.
After a difficult few years Ethan is pleased to be returning to form: "In the last few years I changed my job, my training group, my physio - literally everything changed. It was almost like a hard reset.
"I’ve probably had someone else’s fair share of injuries, but I’ve been able to get back to a good level of fitness. For me, injuries are like a slingshot - you’re pulled back but then you shoot forward more."
After a strong 2026 indoor season, he won the 60m hurdles at the Southern U20/Senior Championships and finished third at the Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships.
He is now preparing for the outdoor season and is set to represent Coventry University at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Outdoor Championships in May.
Ethan has set his sights high, he said: "The main thing for me is just to enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, you’re not going to perform well.
"This season I've had some of my fastest times ever, so I'm really happy with that. There are major events in the UK this year - if I could get to one of those that would be incredible."