University of Leeds facilities were used by international athletes in the build-up to London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

The University of Leeds successfully hosted athletes from China and Canada as part of preparations for London 2012.

In July 2012, Chinese athletes from 7 sports were based in the University's Storm Jameson hall of residence and used sports facilities in The Edge. Existing facilities at the university were improved to 'Olympic Standard' to host Fencing, Swimming, Table Tennis and Taekwondo. Other Chinese teams trained in the Leeds & Yorkshire area including Boxing at Bradford College, Hockey at Wakefield, Swimming at John Charles Aquatic Centre and Track & Field at Leeds Met.

A total of 245 Chinese athletes and officials were part of the training camp, with athletes going on to win 8 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze medals at London 2012. The athletes were supported by 60 student volunteers from the University, providing crucial language support and assistance to the athletes.

Ahead of the Paralympics, the University hosted the pre-Games training camp of the Canadian Wheelchair Rugby team. The August 2012 camp was the third time that Canada trained in Leeds - with one earlier camp already having taken place in August 2011 and another planned for April 2012. The Canadian's went on to win the silver medal at London 2012, losing to Australia in the final.

University of Leeds facilities were included in the official London 2012 pre-Games Training Camp guide for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. All sites wishing to host training camps have had to pass through a formal application process led by the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Games (LOCOG) and meet the technical criteria of national and international sports bodies.

The University's offer was distinctive because of its mix of outstanding sporting facilities, world class support services, breadth of language and cultural resources and its fantastic location.