Honorary graduates

2017

Oliver Hynd - British Paralympic Swimmer

Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of his significant
contribution to international swimming

Oliver HyndAt nine years old, Ollie got his first taste of competitive swimming when he joined his local Nottinghamshire swimming club.

His commitment to the sport led to him competing in a range of junior events across the UK and he made his senior international debut at the European Championships in Berlin in 2011. At the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Ollie was the most successful British male swimmer, winning gold, silver and bronze medals. He was awarded an MBE in the 2013 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Ollie is the only British Paralympic swimmer ever to hold all four major titles – European, Commonwealth, World and Paralympic – at the same time.

Ollie continued his London success at Rio 2016 winning gold medals in both the 400m Freestyle S8 and 200m Individual Medley SM8, both in world record time, and a silver medal in the 100m Backstroke S8.

His focus is now looking forward to the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, and training for Tokyo 2020.

When he is not training, Ollie is in great demand as a motivational speaker and as an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK.