Title: Warwick Warriors Return to University Challenge Final: A Math Genius, a Newcomer, and the Pressure of Secrets
Article:
Warwick students are abuzz as their university team advances to the final of BBC Two’s University Challenge, one of the UK’s most prestigious quiz contests. Thomas Hart, Benjamin Watson, Ananya Govindarajan, and Oscar Siddle will represent Warwick against Christ’s College Cambridge in the final airing at 20:30 BST.
The Perseverance of Thomas Hart
For Thomas Hart, a 22-year-old maths student, this journey has been a test of patience. Having applied annually during his university tenure, Hart finally made the cut in his fourth year.
"I applied every single year I was at university. I made the Warwick team my first two years and we weren’t cast to go on the show. I was the reserve in my third year," he recalled. "To actually finally make it on at the last chance and to actually make a fairly decent fist of it was really quite gratifying."
A Fresh Face Among Veterans
Benjamin Watson, a 21-year-old with no prior University Challenge experience, is the team’s fresh face. "[I] watched it a few days before we had the try-outs in the university but I’d never seen the show," he admitted. "When I watched it, I thought: ‘This is pretty fun, I’d like to try out for this.’"
The Only One Left Studying at Warwick
Ananya Govindarajan, at 20 the youngest team member, is the only one still studying at Warwick. She perceives the popularity of the quiz show at her university: "I found that once we actually started playing the game, I stopped noticing that I was being filmed because I started to focused on actually playing the game."
A Campus Watch Party
Warwick is hosting a watch party for the episode. Govindarajan excitedly shared, "My parents are driving up to watch it with me… A few of my friends are going to go on campus and watch it together."
The Secret Result
The team has guarded the result for over 12 months, a challenge in itself, as Hart notes, "I’ve had to endure a lot of family and friends trying to get us to spill the beans." Watson teased, "Although we’re not allowed to say what the result was, it’s a very, very good final and you should watch it. It is excellent TV."
Warwick’s Winning Streak
This final marks Warwick’s third appearance in University Challenge’s finale. Notably, they took home the trophy both in 2007 and 2021.
Multimedia:
Warwick students celebrate on campus after qualifying for the final.
quote-box
"I found that once we actually started playing the game, I stopped noticing that I was being filmed because I started to focus on actually playing the game."
– Ananya Govindarajan
Did You Know?
Warwick is renowned for its competitive academic culture, reflecting in their University Challenge performance.
Pro Tip
Want to improve your quiz skills like Warwick’s team? Regularly participate in local quizzes and expand your knowledge Weekly.
Stay Tuned!
Catch Warwick versus Christ’s College Cambridge in the University Challenge final on BBC Two, 20:30 BST.
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