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Leeds Beckett athletes recognised at Leeds Sports Awards
Honorary Graduates Jonny Brownlee MBE and Alistair Brownlee MBE (who also graduated in MSc Accounting and Finance, 2013) received the Sporting Pride of Leeds Award, which recognises their contribution to sport, and in particular the growth of triathlon, within the city.
The brothers follow in the footsteps of fellow Honorary Graduate Rob Burrow MBE, who received the award at the 2022 Leeds Sports Awards.
Leeds Beckett University Talent Hub athlete Keely Hodgkinson received the Sportswoman of the Year award, following another successful year.
Keely, who won her first 800m senior gold medal in 2022, was one of three Leeds Beckett finalists in the category, alongside fellow Talent Hub athlete Lizzie Bird and Olympic gold medal winning graduate Georgia Taylor-Brown.
Leeds Beckett University Talent Hub Manager Dr Andrew Drake said:
“We are delighted to see Keely and Lizzie recognised for their record breaking achievements in 2022.
Our Talent Hub programme supports athletes across the performance pathway and to see these outstanding women on a regular basis is an inspiration to the younger performers who aspire to match and surpass them!”
Leeds Beckett University athletics coach John Baron was also recognised, receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award for his dedication to the sport in the city.
Commenting on John’s recognition, Dr Andrew Drake continued:
“John Baron has coached Leeds Beckett University Athletics Club’s sprint and hurdles athletes for many years and is now rightly enjoying his retirement. He has added to the student experience of countless athletes who have gained from commitment to them during their time in Leeds and beyond.”
Leeds Sport Awards celebrate the sporting and wellbeing achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers from across the city. 17 awards were presented at the ceremony, hosted by Tanya Arnold and two time Leeds Beckett University graduate, and rugby league head coach, Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE.
The awards are organised by Sport Leeds with the support of event partners Leeds City Council and Leeds Beckett University, with sponsors Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Sixth Form College and Blacks Solicitors.