TWO student ­athletes are fitting their degrees around their sports.

Vicky Wright and Haris Ansari from Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) are taking part in national sports scholarships scheme Winning Students.

Final year BSc Biomedical Sciences ­student Haris Ansari recently defended his Weightlifting Scotland Senior Champion title in the 77 kilo category.

He has been give the award for the second year running.

Haris said the funding will allow him to pursue his dream of competing in next year's Commonwealth Games.

He said: "It also means that my competition and training costs can be subsidised, which will help massively.

"By utilising facilities such as massage therapy and physiotherapy through the university, it has allowed me to stay physically and mentally fit in order to overcome my tough training schedule.

"The flexibility provided by the academic staff also allows me to work around any ­hurdles I come across."

Winning Students was established in 2008 and is funded by the Scottish Funding Council and run by the ­University of Stirling.

In the past five years, it has invested more than £2million in scholarships to some 340 athletes, making it the third largest sporting support programme in Scotland.

Students taking part are giving funding ­support and flexibility in their academic timetables.

Third year BA Hons Nursing Studies student and curler Vicky was in the Scotland women's curling team that collected the silver medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships.

She has twice won the European Junior Tour in 2011/12 and 12/13.

Vicky said: "Winning Students has help me significantly with the cost of travelling as I do a lot of training ­between Glasgow, ­Stirling, Ayr and Perth ­every week.

"The academic staff have been fantastic too. I have been able to take time out of university and in placement, where they have each supported me to get the work done at a time that suits my training schedule."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk