Nine-Time Paralympic Gold Medallist Hannah Cockroft CBE Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University

The award was conferred on Monday 13 July at First Direct Arena in Leeds, during a graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of students from the Carnegie School of Sport.

Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Hannah is one of Britain's most successful Paralympic athletes. Competing in the T34 wheelchair racing classification, she has won nine Paralympic gold medals across four Paralympic Games: London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. These achievements sit alongside 19 World Championship titles and multiple European crowns.

Hannah made her international debut in 2011 and quickly established herself as a dominant force in wheelchair racing. She currently holds world records in the T34 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m events, cementing her status as one of the greatest para-athletes of her generation.

Beyond the track, Hannah has become a powerful advocate for disability sport and inclusion. She has used her platform to challenge perceptions of disability and inspire the next generation of athletes, while also building a successful broadcasting career through appearances on programmes including BBC Countryfile, The Great British Bake Off and Strictly Come Dancing.

Alongside her sporting success, Hannah has developed a close relationship with Leeds Beckett University through collaborative work with researchers and practitioners in the Carnegie School of Sport. Working alongside academics and sport scientists, she has contributed to research and innovation aimed at improving performance support for para-athletes and advancing understanding within sports science.

Receiving her honorary doctorate, Hannah Cockroft CBE said: "Leeds has always felt like a second home to me. I've been part of the sporting community here for many years through Leeds City Athletics Club, and it's a city that has always welcomed and supported me.

"Leeds Beckett has played an important role in supporting my performance in recent years, and I've loved working alongside the sport science team to explore new ideas and approaches that can help all athletes continue to improve. This award means a great deal because it comes from a city and a sporting community that has been such a big part of my life."

Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said:
“"On behalf of Leeds Beckett University, I am delighted to congratulate Hannah Cockroft CBE on receiving this Honorary Doctorate.”

"Hannah's sporting achievements are extraordinary, but what makes her truly exceptional is the impact she has made beyond competition. Her willingness to work collaboratively to advance knowledge and practice in para-sport reflects the values of innovation, inclusion and excellence that sit at the heart of our university. She is a remarkable role model for our graduates and a worthy recipient of this honour."