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The Brownlee brothers have just been awarded honorary doctorates from Beckett

Do you reckon they fancy Varsity next year?


The Brownlee brothers were awarded Honorary Doctorates of Sport Science at Leeds Beckett University on Friday to celebrate their sporting achievements.

Alistair Brownlee MBE did his undergraduate degree at the University of Leeds and his MSc in Finance at Leeds Beckett, and both he and Jonny regularly train at Leeds Triathlon Centre, which is partnered with Beckett.

On receiving the honour, Alistair said: “It’s very special to be here, and we both feel very lucky. I actually first ran here on a primary school sports day.

When I was 14, I met Malcolm Brown MBE (former Director of Sport at Leeds Beckett) and that was the start of a 15-year coaching relationship that has had a massive impact on my career.”

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The Brownlee brothers are best known for picking up gold and bronze medals at the 2012 London Olympics as well as gold and silver in Rio 2016, and have both been based in Leeds since their Olympic successes.

Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett, said: “Alistair and Jonny are world class athletes who have taken the triathlon to new levels. They have a long-established relationship with Leeds Beckett University, working with our coaches and researchers.

We are delighted they have been able to join us today to receive their Sport Science Honorary Doctorates and for us to recognise their incredible achievements.”

Honorary Doctorates at Leeds Beckett are individuals whose achievements reflect the values of the university and have made a positive impact on Leeds.

Here's hoping they add in a triathlon event for Varsity next year.