Sporting alumni honoured at Leeds Beckett University Sport Hall of Fame 2026

This year's Hall of Fame class includes Olympic athletes, Paralympians, international coaches, pioneering officials and influential sport leaders whose achievements span more than five decades. Among those honoured were: 

Hosted by sports broadcaster Tanya Arnold at the university's flagship Carnegie School of Sport, the ceremony celebrated individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to sport through competition, coaching, officiating, education and leadership.

Paralympian Ali Jawad said: “It means so much to be inducted in the Sport Hall of Fame. I've had incredible memories here and it's good to be back.

This year's cohort also includes:

Olympian Alexandra Bell said: “It means everything to be part of the Hall of Fame this year. I feel so special to be on such a long list of names.
“When I saw the list and my name on there as well, I was so honoured and proud. To also have my parents here with me tonight is special as my dad graduated from here many years ago, so he's proud as punch seeing me with my name on that wall." 

The Hall of Fame recognises alumni who have made a lasting impact within their sport and celebrates Leeds Beckett University's long-standing contribution to sporting success across the UK and beyond.

Other inductees included:

 
Since its origins as Carnegie College in 1933, Leeds Beckett University has played a significant role in the development of sport, producing athletes, coaches, teachers, officials and leaders who have gone on to influence their disciplines at every level.

This year's inductees reflect the breadth of that impact, from Olympic and Paralympic competition to coaching, education, community sport and governance.

Peter Mackreth, Dean of Carnegie School of Sport and Chair of the Sport Hall of Fame Sub-Committee, said: "This year's inductees demonstrate the extraordinary impact that Leeds Beckett graduates continue to have across the sporting landscape. Their achievements span elite competition, coaching, officiating, education and leadership, showing that success in sport can take many forms.

"As we celebrate the latest Hall of Fame inductees, we are recognising not only individual accomplishment but also the collective influence these alumni have had on their sports, their communities and future generations. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the role sport can play in inspiring people and creating lasting change."

Guests also had the opportunity to explore a curated exhibition of memorabilia connected to the inductees, including a Great North Run t-shirt from the first event in 1981, a rowing oar in recognition of Guin Batten, Olympic vets worn by Jo Jackson at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and a 1999 Rugby World Cup referee shirt worn by Brian Campsall.

The event also provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with the university and celebrate the role Leeds Beckett has played in supporting generations of sporting talent.

Today, Leeds Beckett's Carnegie School of Sport continues to be recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of sport education, combining world-class facilities, research and industry expertise to support future athletes, coaches, practitioners and sport professionals.

The Sport Hall of Fame honour board is now on public display at the Carnegie School of Sport.

A digital version of the Hall of Fame is also available to view online.

Full list of 2026 inductees