Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
World record success for Leeds Beckett graduate
Race walker, Tom Bosworth, who graduated from Leeds Beckett in 2013 after studying BSc (Hons) Sports Performance, crossed the line in 5:31:08 in London, ahead of the 20km event at the IAAF World Championships in August.
Athlete @TomBosworth smashed the one-mile walk world record yesterday.
— BBC Radio 5 live (@bbc5live) July 10, 2017
He told @PhilWilliams about the reaction from the crowd @London_DL. pic.twitter.com/2BZuHy4Q60
Speaking after the race, Tom said: “The aim was to set off at world record pace, but I didn’t think I was capable of getting it! With about 500m I thought ‘is the maths wrong, is that happening?’
“I had to focus on my technique and really get a grip of myself, but I’m absolutely delighted.”
WOW
— Team GB (@TeamGB) July 9, 2017
He shocked us at #Rio2016
Now @TomBosworth has set a WORLD LEAD time of 5:31.08 for WALKING, 1⃣ mile! 👌 pic.twitter.com/85QFHqEpbf
Dr Ian Richards a Senior Lecturer in the Carnegie School of Sport added: "This is a fantastic achievement for Tom. He has worked so hard to raise the profile of race walking in the athletics world and to the general public. To get a walk into the Diamond League and set a world best in front of 35,000 spectators and live on TV is a fitting reward for all Tom's hard work, commitment and sacrifice. This will provide him with a big confidence boost ahead of the 20km in the World Championships in London in August. Please come along to The Mall on Sunday 13 August and support Tom and the five other Leeds Beckett students and alumni in action in the race walking events, it is free to watch!"