Alvin Liu (LGS 2024) joined LGS as a boarder in Year 11 and certainly made his mark. He spent time in both boarding houses and made fond memories with friends on trips organised by the boarding community – including go-karting, city breaks and watching a Manchester City Football match. In his final year, Alvin was awarded the role of Denton House Captain, which he described as fulfilling, being involved in helping to make decisions around the boarding experience. “It is comforting knowing that I have played a role in improving boarding life.”
During his time at LGS, Alvin embraced the wide range of opportunities available and gave his time to many clubs, such as Bee Club, School Shooting Club, CCF, Dissection Club and Triathlon Club. He also served as both Biology and Chemistry Prefect.
Alvin was an integral part of the School Shooting Team and won Silver in the Senior Team 6-yard Sporter class (sporting rifle) at the 2024 British Shooting Schools Championships. He was also a part of the CCF RAF contingent, where he played a key role in LGS becoming the Air Squadron Trophy national champions (2023-24).
Clearly, Alvin had a passion for sport. In Year 13, he became the Leicestershire Schools Under 20 100m champion and also broke the long-standing 100m School Record on Sports day. The previous best of 10.90 – first set in 1960 and matched in 1967, 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1988 – was finally beaten, with Alvin setting a new record of 10.87. He reflects on how his time at LGS helped give him independence and key communication skills, as well as develop his interest in sport and its interactions with the body through the subjects he studied (Biology, Chemistry, PE and Maths). “I liked the sporting culture in school, where not only was there a large variety of sports, but my classmates were also very supportive of each other. A large part of doing the course I am in now is due to the passion I developed in the school for sport.”
All of this activity helped prepare Alvin to study Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, where he now trains extensively as a sprinter with the athletics team. His success has continued, as he recently medalled in the BUCS Indoor Athletics Championships for the 60m. His preparation for the outdoor season has now begun.
When asked what advice he would give to boarders at LGS he stated: “Try some more extracurricular activities that may pique their interests, and if you have something that you are already interested in, keep at it. Consistency is key. The school provides a lot of extracurriculars that allow students to develop skills outside of academics.”
We wish Alvin the best of luck with his studies and the rest of the athletics season!
