Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Malcolm Brown MBE awarded Honorary Doctorate of Sport Science by Leeds Met
Selected as British Triathlon's Olympic Performance Manager for the London 2012 Olympic Games, Malcolm is the former endurance running coach for UK Athletics and the current coach to various members of the British Triathlon squad based in Leeds. He has coached athletes to international appearances at Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic level.
Malcolm, who revealed that his proudest career achievement was "Seeing Alistair and Johnny safely across their finish line at Hyde Park and collapsing into each other's arms" at the 2012 Olympic Games, said: "Receiving this award from Leeds Met is very special. I think it would be special for anyone, but for me when I've worked at Leeds Met for ten years and have colleagues at the University - an institution for which I have affection - it's very, very special indeed."
Giving advice to graduates, he added: "Persevere, choose an area that you enjoy, don't fear failure and have a happy life!"
Malcolm, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List in January 2013 for services to Triathlon and sport, started his career with a degree in Teaching Physical Education and English. He has worked at four different universities in academic and departmental roles, including the post of Director of Sport at Leeds Metropolitan University from 2002 until 2009.
Whilst at Leeds Met he was asked if he would help two young brothers - Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee - improve their running speed. The duo have worked with him ever since and, with Malcolm's support and commitment to their coaching, secured a place in British sporting history, winning gold and bronze in the triathlon at the 2012 Olympics.
Malcolm made a major contribution to the development of sport at Leeds Met during his time as Director of Sport. Under his leadership the University improved form 28th position in the British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) league tables to second place in just five years. He also played a major role in the University working in conjunction with National governing bodies of sport to create High Performance Centres in Triathlon, Athletics and Weightlifting. He had a major part in the University securing the designation of the UK Centre for Coaching Excellence in 2008 and his development of coaching at the University was recognised by Leeds Met being awarded the 'Coaching Environment of the Year Award' at the 2008 UK Coaching Awards.
Malcolm was awarded the Coaching Chain: Appreciation of Coaching Award at the UK Coaching Awards 2012.
Others receiving honorary degrees from Leeds Metropolitan include comedy writer and performer Barry Cryer OBE; Emmerdale actress Gaynor Faye and Leeds businessman and charity activist, Edward Ziff.
Leeds Metropolitan University Vice Chancellor, Professor Susan Price, said: "We are delighted to recognise such a wide variety of individuals who have made a significant contribution to their field. This year's awards are particularly varied, with inspiring people from a range of backgrounds including business, arts, law, sport and the entertainment industry. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them to our Headingley Campus to celebrate with us as we recognise the achievements of our staff and graduating students."