Hannah Rankin
Far from overindulgence over the festive period, Scottish boxer Hannah Rankin has been using a high-tech training facility in Hamilton to prepare for a major Burns Night bout,
Hannah (28) will take on the older and more experienced Hungarian Eva Bajic in an eight-round super welterweight fight at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on Friday, January 25, and she has been taking part in training sessions at UWS Lanarkshire’s cutting-edge environmental chamber.
The high-specification environmental chamber at UWS Lanarkshire is one of only two in the country, and the one in the west of Scotland.
It replicates environmental extremes for athletes to train in to ensure peak performance.
With a number of variables on offer, temperatures can range from 10 to 40 degrees Celsius, altitude from zero to 5800 metres above sea level, and humidity of between 10 and 90 per cent.
It can be set to 35 degrees with humidity to mimic conditions at the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a dry 40 degree heat like conditions at the 2022 Qatar World Cup or 10 degrees with altitude of 4800 metres to simulate the top of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe.
Hannah is making waves in the sport. On November 17 she fought in America in a Sky Sports-televised unified World Middleweight title, competing against double Olympic champion Claressa Shields for three world titles.
Although Hannah didn’t take a title, she went the full 10-round distance.
This will be a major test against International Boxing Federation world champion Eva Bajic (34), but Hannah is preparing well.
She said: “Being able to train in an environmental chamber is hugely beneficial.
“As soon as my coach, Noel Callan, and I incorporated sprints at altitude, we saw my fitness levels rocket.
“This definitely allowed me to keep moving throughout the 10-round unified World Middleweight title I competed in, as it required intense amounts of stamina, and for me to be in peak physical condition.
“Training in harsh climates really teaches your body how to adapt and use resources most efficiently.
“UWS Lanarkshire’s environmental chamber is a real asset to athletes and students alike.
“The fact it’s one of only two in the whole of Scotland should act as a reminder of what a luxury it is to have this on many people’s doorstep.”
Professional boxing isn’t the only talent Hannah has; she is a classically-trained bassoonist and recently played with the London Sinfonietta at Festival Hall, and was part of the orchestra for Swan Lake at the Coliseum with the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre.
UWS Lanarkshire’s environmental chamber opened in September 2018, and Finding Your Feet charity founder and UWS honorary doctor, Corinne Hutton, used it to train for her Mount Kilimanjaro ascent, and is believed to be the first female quadruple amputee to climb Africa’s highest peak.
Professor Craig Mahoney, principal and vice-chancellor of UWS said: “Our vision for UWS Lanarkshire was a modern, forward-looking campus where people learn, push boundaries and become the best version of themselves, and we’re already delivering on this.
“We have so enjoyed hosting Hannah, to help her prepare for her next boxing match. From everyone here at UWS we wish Hannah the very best of luck!”
The Burns Night bout takes place at the Crowne Plaza on Friday, January 25. For more information email sam@kynochboxing.com.
Training in harsh climates really teaches your body how to adapt and use resources most efficiently