Leeds Beckett Alumni welcomed to Paris for 2024 Paralympics

Running to September 8, the Paralympic games will see 4,400 athletes from across the globe compete in 549 medal events spanning 22 sports. Among these elite athletes are two Leeds Beckett University (LBU) alumni: Dame Sarah Storey and Kadeena Cox OBE, who will be in action today (Thursday 29 August) competing for the first gold of the games.

Kadeena Cox OBE made history at the Rio 2016 Paralympics by winning gold in both cycling and athletics. Winning gold in two different sports is a feat that has not been accomplished by a British Paralympian in 32 years. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2014 following a stroke, Cox has triumphed in both para-athletics sprints and para-cycling.

Cox graduated from Leeds Beckett with a BSc (Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science in 2013. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her global sporting excellence in the face of adversity in 2017.

Despite facing recent challenges including a calf injury and an MS relapse, Cox will look to defend her C4 500m time trial title - and in the process win the first gold of the games - in the velodrome today before the mixed team sprint on Sunday.

Dame Sarah Storey, another LBU graduate, set to become a nine-time Paralympian, is now the most decorated Paralympian in British history. She graduated from LBU in 2000 with a BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science, and has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett.

The 46-year-old’s remarkable sporting journey began at the 1992 Barcelona Games as a teenage swimmer. After an ear infection sidelined her swimming career, Storey made the switch from the pool to the cycling track. Since then, she has amassed an incredible 17 gold medals, eight silver, and three bronze throughout her career – winning five gold medals all before she turned 19.

In Paris, she will focus on road cycling and will once again be aiming for gold. Catch Sarah Storey in the Women's C5 Individual Time Trial on September 4 from 7am, and the Women's C4-5 Road Race on September 6 from 8.30am.  See the para road cycling schedule here.

Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport, said: "As alumna of Leeds Beckett University, we’d like to congratulate Sarah and Kadeena for their remarkable achievements. They are both incredible role models and are inspirations for any aspiring athletes.

"We wish them all the best for Paris as they attempt to make even more history."

As one of the UK's leading Higher Education institutes for sport, our competing Paralympian alumni are not Leeds Beckett’s only link to the games.

LBU alumnus Dr Bob Price OBE is an international pioneer for the progression of disabled athletes. Having held key posts such as Chairman of the British Paralympic Association and President of the European Paralympic Committee, Dr Price graduated from LBU's Carnegie School of Sport in 1970 with a Physical Education degree. He campaigned throughout his career for the equal promotion of disability groups within Paralympics. In recognition of his advocacy work he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2017.

Dr. Price remains closely tied to the Paralympic community and will present medals at this year's Games in Paris.

The Paralympic Games run until 8 September. Keep track of the events schedule.

See how Leeds Beckett's world-class facilities helped Olympic athletes prepare this summer.