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University of Reading

University of Reading's own Olympic heroes recognised at graduation

Friday, 14 December 2012

Olympians at graduation

The University honoured all of Reading's Olympians, making them Distinguished Fellows of the University of Reading in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to a wonderful sporting summer

Over 2,000 University of Reading students graduating from the University this week were joined by eleven University of Reading Olympians, as well as the designer of the London 2012 Olympic medals. 

The University honoured all of Reading's Olympians, making them Distinguished Fellows of the University of Reading in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to a wonderful sporting summer.

The following were made Distinguished Fellows of the University:

  • David Watkins, designer of the London 2012 Olympic medals (BA in Fine Art in 1963)
  • Anna Watkins - rower and Gold medallist (current Mathematics PhD student)
  • Bill Lucas - rower (BA Politics and International Relations 2009)
  • Charles Cousins - rower (BSc Psychology 2010)
  • Natasha Townsend - rower (BA Art 2007)
  • Ric Egington - rower and Bronze medallist (BSc Zoology 2001)
  • Sam Townsend - rower (BSc Rural Environmental Sciences 2010)
  • Debbie Flood - rower (BSc Physiology and Biochemistry 2005)
  • Alex Gregory - rower and Gold medallist (BSc Geography 2001)
  • Alex Partridge - rower and Bronze medallist (current Henley Business School MBA student)
  • Adam Freeman-Pask - rower (current PhD student in Biological Sciences)
  • Jonty Clarke - hockey player (BA Economics 2002)

Anna Watkins said: ''I knew Reading was the best choice for me as it has the right combination of academic excellence and passion for rowing. I've been able to take time out my PhD to focus on the Olympics and the University has been positive and helpful throughout.''

Bill Lucas reiterated Anna's comments: ''I had a sports scholarship at University and that gave me access to the gym and facilities so I could train between my lectures. My tutors were very understanding of what I was aiming for too. I had an awful lot of support. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to get to where I am.''

This year has been extra special for Sam and Natasha Townsend. As Natasha said: ''I met Sam through rowing at the University in 2004- I was studying at the time, he was in the year below me. We got married after the London 2012 Olympics.''

See photos of our Olympians >>>

Watch Graduation live online >>>