Leeds in Rio
Our World Class Olympic and Paralympic Journey
University of Leeds Olympians and Paralympians
The Olympics have now come to a close but you can find out how our Olympians and Paralympians have done in Rio below.
Kim Daybell
Table Tennis
Age: 23
Course: Medicine
Major Achievement:
- Competed at the London Paralympic Games 2012
Paralympic Competition Result: Quarter finals in the Men’s singles class 10, 5th in Men’s Team class 9-10
Claire Cashmore
Swimming
Age: 27
Course: Linguistics and Phonetics
Graduated: 2011
Event: Breaststroke 100m SB8
Major Achievement:
- Paralympic Silver Medal – London 2012
Paralympic Competition Result: Gold Medal Winner and Silver Medallist
Karen Darke
Hand Cycling
Age: 45
Course: Chemistry and Geological Sciences
Graduated: 1992
Event: Road Hand Cycling (H1-2 and H1-3)
Major Achievement:
- Paralympic Silver Medal – London 2012
Paralympic Competition Result: Gold Medal Winner
Laura Sugar
Athletics
Age: 25
Course: Sport and Exercise Science
Graduated: 2012
Event: Athletics (100m & 200m in T44 classification)
Major Achievement:
- Silver in the 2016 Muller Anniversary Games
Paralympic Competition Result: 5th place in both 100m & 200m
Grace Clough
Rowing
Age: 25
Course: Sociology
Graduated: 2013
Event: LTA Mixed Coxed Four
Major Achievement:
- World Champion 2014 & 2015
Paralympic Competition Date: Gold Medal Winner
Our Olympians
Find out more about our athletes and how they did in Rio this summer.
Alistair Brownlee
Triathlon
Age: 28
Course: Sport Science and Physiology
Graduated: 2009
Major Achievements:
- Olympic Gold Medal – London 2012
- Olympic Gold Medal – Rio 2016
Olympic Competition Result: Gold Medal Winner
Follow Alistair:
Jonny Brownlee
Triathlon
Age: 26
Course: History
Graduated: 2011
Major Achievements:
- Olympic Bronze Medal – London 2012
- Olympic Silver Medal – Rio 2016
Olympic Competition Result: Silver Medallist
Gordon Benson
Triathlon
Age: 21
Course: Nutrition
Graduated: 2016
Major Achievement:
- European Games Gold Medal – Baku 2015
Olympic Competition Result: DNF: Gordon unfortunatly crashed on the bike leg of the Triathlon and was unable to finish
Rebecca Gallantree
Diving
Age: 31
Course: Sport and Exercise Science
Graduated: 2007
Event: 3M Springboard Syncro
Major Achievement:
- Commonwealth Games Gold Medal – Glasgow 2014
Olympic Competition Result: 6th Place in Synchronised 3M Competition; Preliminary Rounds of Individual 3M Competition.
London 2012 success
Success in London 2012 was unprecedented with 8 University of Leeds athletes competing and 5 medals won across the Olympic and Paralympic competitions. The University was also host to the Chinese Olympic Team and the Canadian Paralympic Rugby Wheelchair Team.
Feeling Inspired?
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are about more than just sporting excellence, they are a source of inspiration for everyone to get involved. We run a diverse range of activities through our sport and physical activity programmes so if you’re feeling inspired find out more below.
Get Out, Get Active
From kayaking to walking there is something for everyone, come and have a go with our friendly student activators.
Volunteer
Come and volunteer with us throughout the year at one off events or on a regular basis, we have lots of opportunities.
Sports Clubs
We have over 60 different clubs and societies so whatever you want to play there is something for you.
The Edge
Improve your health and fitness at The Edge with the 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, and over 150 classes per week.
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