GRAEME OBREE is matriculating back to school – as he hopes to become the next rector of the University of Glasgow.
The former world pursuit champ, who recently broke a world speed record in Nevada, has been approached to become rector of Glasgow University.
Obree rode the fastest time ever in his prone recumbent bike, nicknamed The Beastie, at Battle Mountain in September.
He immediately told the media he was flying home, and bringing his cycling career spanning four decades to an end.
But as he contemplates a move into university politics, he also refuses to rule out new challenges on the bike.
Obree, 48, said: “Sports people should be banned from saying anything in the spur of the moment.
“In the past couple of months I’ve spent time cycling around Ayrshire, up and around the hills, free of traffic. We really do have some spectacular countryside.
“Nothing is lined up, sports-wise and I’m happy with that for now – but never say never.”
Obree was approached by Glasgow University Sports Association and student groups to challenge current rector Charles Kennedy. Elections will take place on February 17 and 18 and the new rector will be in office for three years.
Obree was a student at Glasgow in 1989 but failed to stay the course in design engineering before going on to achieve a successful career in cycling.
But it’s his battle with mental health issues as much as his inspirational role as sportsman, innovator and inventor that make him such an oustanding candidate as rector, according to students.
Obree said: “I chose the wrong course when I went to Glasgow. There were 28 lectures a week and I had missed a year of education and couldn’t bridge the gaps.
“Back then I was genuinely troubled but I can contribute now.
“It took me two minutes to accept the invite to stand as rector. I can talk the hind legs off a donkey but I can also provide a listening ear to intelligent young people who may be suffering depression or need to discuss issues.
“It’s weird. I left Glasgow University almost 25 years ago and now I could return.”
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