Tag Archives: Gold Medal

Paralympic sailor receives Honorary Doctorate from BU

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A Paralympic sailor who made history by winning gold at the London 2012 games has received an Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University.

Helena Lucas MBE received her Doctor of Arts at the ceremony for graduates from the School of Applied Sciences.

She was the first British sailor ever to win a Paralympic gold medal, after winning in the single keelboat event in Weymouth.

Helena, who is also a successful yacht designer, said that receiving the Honorary Doctorate from BU was “absolutely amazing.”

“It was the last thing I expected to be offered,” she added. “It was a real honour and a real pleasure.”

Helena, who is currently training for the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, added that her advice to graduates was to dream big and not give up.

“If you dream big, the chances are you’ll achieve your goals,” she said.

“I think it’s a case of never giving up. If you’ve got a dream and you’ve got a goal, just keep working towards it. There will be the odd curveball here and there, the odd disappointment, but never give up and keep going.

“I think that’s the message that I want to get across to the students – it won’t be easy, it will be tough out there, but with determination and commitment and dedication, you can achieve whatever you want to achieve.”

More than 5,000 graduates from across Bournemouth University were handed their degree certificates in six different ceremonies at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Professor John Vinney, vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “Bournemouth University takes great pride in our Honorary Graduates.

“We recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field who will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies and for our whole student body in the coming years.”

Olympic gold medallist shooter receives Honorary Doctorate from BU

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A world record holder sports shooter, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, has received an Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University.

Peter Wilson MBE – who grew up in Sherborne, Dorset –  received the accolade during the Business School graduation ceremony.

Peter took a Gold Medal in double trap shooting at the 2012 Olympics, won the World Cup in 2011 and 2012, and holds UK and World records. He was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List for services to shooting.

He said he felt “honoured” to receive the Doctor of Arts award from BU.

“I couldn’t quite believe it, I still can’t quite believe it,” he said.

“It’s a bit like the Olympics all over again – your heart’s racing, your blood’s up and you’re just so excited and really honoured.

“It’s great to come back. My roots are here, my family’s here and so I feel very privileged, very humbled.”

Peter added that he works closely with local schools to promote sports, and believes it’s important for students to stay active and healthy while at university.

“Find a sport that you enjoy playing and just take part – whether it be team or individual,” he said.

“I think it’s actually quite healthy – it gets you out of the house and away from study for that small segment of the week, and gives you a bit of a breather.”

He added that his advice to the graduating students was to push themselves and do everything they could to reach their best.

“It’s a tough world out there, so it’s not easy – you’ve got to find something you love, you’ve got to be passionate about it and you’ve got to push yourself to be the best you can be.

“I spoke about that a little bit to all of the graduates and parents about that one motto which drove me through the Olympics – and that is do everything in your power to get the best possible result out of yourself.”

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More than 5,000 graduates from across Bournemouth University were handed their degree certificates in six different ceremonies at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “Bournemouth University takes great pride in our Honorary Graduates.

“We recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field who will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies and for our whole student body in the coming years.”

BU graduate is World Champion Duathlete

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A former BU student has raced to victory with a gold medal display at the Duathlon World Championships.

James Coleman, 28, landed the gold medal for Team GB’s 25-29 year-old category in Ottawa, Canada having only taken up running in 2007 when his internship required him to sprint to the post box to deliver mail.

James studied BA Public Relations at Bournemouth University, graduating in 2007, and partly credits the success to finding his running legs at University through ‘daily runs on the beach’.

His degree has also been well used; when James is not competing or practicing he heads up the sales team at National News PR Specialists 72 Point.

On winning his gold medal, James said, “To win a medal is amazing. I was thinking if I made the top ten I would have been happy.  I am over the moon. Everything came together at the right time.”

A duathlon is a race that includes two disciplines, typically running and cycling, and James explained how he was keen to take his competing one step further, “Now I may take up swimming and see what I can do in the triathlon event.”

The former BU student was also on hand to offer advice to budding BU students who may be want to consider following in his (running) shoes, “It’s amazing what you can do if you find something you’re good at and fine tune it to then become the best in the world. With a support team, encouragement, training, dedication and sheer determination and belief, then most goals are achievable!”