United Colleges Group (UCG) were delighted to welcome gymnastics star Marfa Ekimova back to City of Westminster College (CWC) recently for a special visit.
On Wednesday December 13, Marfa returned to the CWC — where she completed her studies in NCFE Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity — to speak with students about her gymnastics career, and how studying subjects such as anatomy has enabled her to understand her body more and helped her as a gymnast.
In a wide-ranging and inspiring interview, the 18-year-old, who was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and moved to London when she was two years old, revealed that as well as focusing on her gymnastics career, she is also thinking about her long-term future and hopes to study for a degree in sports management.
Students listened intently as the rhythmic gymnast spoke about her journey to the top in her chosen sport — and why her success has not only been achieved through her own drive and self-belief, but also by support from family and friends who are always there for her during the highs and lows.
It has been a remarkable 18 months for Marfa, who was selected as Great Britain’s sole representative at the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Valencia, Spain, this summer… after being nominated in the Olympic Athlete of the Year category by British Gymnastics in April.
The CWC student also wrote herself into the record books by becoming the Individual All Round Gold Medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, as well as being part of the England team that won the team bronze medal.
Max Maalimey, Curriculum Manager for Sport and Vocational Studies, City of Westminster College, said: “In a truly inspirational special guest speaker event at City of Westminster College, Marfa captivated our students with her compelling career journey.
“Sharing her experiences of overcoming challenges, Marfa highlighted the pivotal role of discipline and hard work in achieving success.
“Her insights into personal growth and the unwavering dedication needed to reach one’s goals resonated deeply with our audience.
“Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and commitment, serving as an invaluable lesson for our students as they embark on their own paths to success.”
Stephen Grainge, Governor, United Colleges Group, said: “Marfa is a great inspiration and example of what can be achieved with hard work and persistence — it was a real pleasure to talk with her and hear her thoughts on what drives success.”
Tyrone Godwyn, Lecturer, Public Services and Sport, said: “Marfa’s words remind us that mental toughness and the determination to succeed propel us beyond our limits.
“May her journey inspire students to navigate life’s challenges with unwavering resolve, for it’s in our toughest moments that we forge the strength to achieve our dreams.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
