University of Leeds graduates claimed three gold medals and one silver in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, with one alumni setting a new world record in the process.
Swimmer Claire Cashmore, who graduated from the University of Leeds in 2011 with a degree in Linguistics and Phonetics, secured a gold medal for TeamGB in the women’s 4x100m medley relay, helping bag the team a world record time of 4.45.23. This followed her silver medal victory in the women’s 100m breastroke just 3 days earlier.
The Leeds’ alumni second gold medal came from rower Grace Clough, a member of the mixed coxed fours team, who graduated in 2013 with a degree in Sociology.
The final Paralympic gold was claimed by hand cyclist Karen Darke, who beat the USA and Italy to secure the top spot in the women’s time trial. Karen graduated in 1992 with a degree in Chemistry and Geological Sciences.
Leeds’ two other Paralympians; Kim Daybell and Laura Sugar, also performed well, but narrowly missed out on medal placements.
Table Tennis player Kim, currently taking a year’s break from his degree in Medicine, reached the quarter finals of the men’s individual competition. Also competing in the men’s team competition, he again reached the quarter finals, the group coming fifth overall.
Runner, Laura came fifth in both the women’s T43-44 category 100m and 200m final, securing a personal best time in the 100m in process. Laura completed a Sports and Exercise Science degree and was a member of the women’s hockey club whilst at University.
The Paralympians’ medal success adds to the Leeds contingent who took part in the Olympic Games in August. Across both tournaments, graduates from the University performing with TeamGB claimed four golds and two silver medals.
