University celebrates 'inspirational' sport alumni

Retired middle-distance runner Laura Weightman now trains future athletics stars at Leeds Beckett University

Rugby star Kevin Sinfield and two-time Olympic weightlifting medallist Emily Campbell are among dozens of athletes who are being celebrated at a university's new hall of fame.

Leeds Beckett University said the permanent tribute honoured alumni who "have shaped our regional, national and international sporting landscape".

Located within the Carnegie School of Sport Building, it is hoped it will foster pride and inspire past, current and future students.

Retired middle-distance runner Laura Weightman said it was "incredible" to be included.

She told the BBC: "Coming to Leeds was a brilliant decision for my athletic career, it gave me an environment and people to allow my athletics career to thrive, but it also gave me a platform and a place that's very much become home since my retirement."

Emily Campbell, who graduated from Leeds Beckett with a sport science degree in 2016, said she did not discover her talent until she arrived at university.

Olympic medallist Emily Campbell found her passion for weightlifting while at university

"I remember obviously being into athletics and walking on here and seeing a track. Not many universities are very lucky to have a track on site," she said.

"So that obviously enticed me and you could tell they really care about sport here."

The Hall of Fame at Leeds Beckett University was unveiled this week

Some of those honoured in the Sport Hall of Fame, like Alistair Brownlee, have donated memorabilia.

The retired triathlete said: "I first ran on this track as a six-year-old because I went to a primary school literally just across the road and then trained here on and off and first met my coaches as a 13 to 14-year-old.

"I used all the facilities - the track, the gym, the pool and the sports science stuff, for pretty much my entire career for 30 years."

Dean of Carnegie Sport, Pete Mackreth, said the people who were being honoured were not just world champions or Olympic medallists but also people who have made major contributions to the world of sports.

He said: "It's about ensuring that they know how proud we are of their achievements but then at the same time it's also about ensuring that the students who come to study with us today recognise that they're inspired to go on and achieve beyond their degree."

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