Emma Wiggs MBE is a three-time Paralympic gold medallist, having secured titles in Beijing (2016), Tokyo (2020), and Paris (2024) in Paracanoe. She also won silver medals at both Tokyo and Paris.
During a glittering career, she claimed 12 World Championship gold medals, five silver World Championship medals, and eight European Championships crowns – six gold, and two silver.
She was awarded an MBE for services to canoeing in the 2017 New Year Honours.
Beyond sport, Wiggs is a passionate advocate for inclusion and equality, relentlessly campaigning to improve sport for disabled athletes.
She has previously supported Loughborough University’s Para sport research and innovation activities and will become a member of the advisory board for the Para Sport cluster later this year.
Emma Wiggs said: “It is an incredible privilege to receive this honorary doctorate. Loughborough University is an outstanding institution with an unbelievable history of sporting excellence.
“I've been so lucky to work with Professor Vicky Tolfrey and the team on their vital research for Paralympic sport and have seen firsthand the positive global impact that the University is having."
Seven-time Paralympic medallist Jessica-Jane Applegate was also recognised by the University for her swimming prowess.
Jessica-Jane made history by winning gold at the London 2012 Paralympics in a Games record time. She went on to win further medals at Rio 2016 (two silver, one bronze) and Tokyo 2020 (one gold, two bronze).
Her career medal haul also includes 10 World Championships (three gold, five silver, two bronze), five European Championship medals (three silver, two bronze), and silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
She was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to swimming.
Throughout her career, Jessica-Jane has emerged as a powerful voice for neurodiversity, using her profile to foster understanding and champion inclusion in and out of the pool.
“I’m incredibly proud to receive this honour from Loughborough University,” she said.
“Sport has changed my life, and I’ve always tried to use my journey to advocate for others with neurodiversity and unseen disabilities.
“I hope this inspires the next generation to know that there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
Professor Jo Maher, Loughborough University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, said:
“Emma and Jessica-Jane’s careers have defined sporting excellence that is built on resilience, talent, and an unwavering dedication to achieving incredible results.
“Beyond the medals and milestones their commitment to inclusivity and creating pathways for others truly sets them apart. We are thrilled to award them both honorary degrees from Loughborough University.”
Emma Wiggs’ and Jessica-Jane Applegate’s honorary degrees were awarded during the July 2025 summer graduation ceremonies.
