Nicola Adams (centre) in 2012
Olympic boxer, Nicola Adams is among a host of distinguished individuals receiving an honorary degree by Leeds University today.
Nicola is receiving a Doctor of Laws after memorably claimed the first ever women’s Olympic boxing gold medal at the London Olympic games in 2012.
She said: “It really means a lot to me being awarded an honorary degree from the University of Leeds, my hometown.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised for my achievement and contribution to sport and doing what I’m passionate about.”
In 2001 Nicola became the first woman boxer ever to represent England. Since then Nicola has won medals at the European Championships, the World Championships, and memorably claimed the first ever women’s Olympic boxing gold medal at the London Olympic games in 2012.
She followed this with another gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2014. She completed the hat-trick as first woman boxer to win gold at the European Games in Baku 2015.
Nicola is seen as an ambassador for Leeds and Yorkshire and is a patron of the charity ‘StreetGames’ which gives sports and volunteering opportunities to young people in disadvantaged communities in the UK.
She added: “I’d also like to congratulate everyone who has graduated from the University. I wish everyone continued success.”