Athletics greats inducted into Loughborough University Sporting Hall of Fame
To coincide with the annual Loughborough International event, athletics greats Frank Dick and Paula Radcliffe have been inducted into the Loughborough University Sporting Hall of Fame.
Frank Dick who graduated in 1965 after completing a Diploma in teacher training, specialising in physical education and mathematics, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for his services to coaching.
Frank was Director of Coaching for the British Athletics Federation during a successful era for the team which included Olympic gold medallists Daley Thompson, Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe.
In 2011 the University awarded Frank an Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to coaching and coach development. He was also awarded an OBE in 1989 and was inducted into the UK Coaches Hall of Fame in 1999
Speaking about his time at Loughborough Frank Dick said:
“Loughborough was such an eye opener and completely converted me into coaching. With the education I had, and by putting it together, it was a pretty special platform to build the whole idea of creating a new world for coaching performance.
“To be a member of the Hall of Fame is fantastic. Being part of this wonderful institution, which is globally renowned and embedded in the world of sport, it is huge to belong to it.”
Paula Radcliffe graduated from Loughborough University in 1996 with a first class Honours degree in modern European studies.
After recently retiring from competitive athletics Paula has been inducted for her many achievements over long distance events.
Paula won the London Marathon in 2002, 2003 and 2005. She has also won the New York Marathon three times and the Chicago Marathon. Paula also won the gold medal at for the marathon the World Championships in Helsinki in 2005.
Paula still holds the world record for the fastest women’s marathon, set in London in a time of 2:15:25, which has stood since 2003. In 2002 she was voted the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.
Speaking about her induction to the Hall of Fame Paula Radcliffe said:
“Loughborough University means a huge amount to me, and I have got very special memories of my time here. I loved student life and managed to fit in my studies at Loughborough with my sport as well.
“To join the likes of Seb Coe, Tanni Grey-Thompson and Dave Moorcroft, it’s a huge honour to follow in their footsteps. To be recognised by the University in this way is really special.”
The Loughborough University Sporting Hall of Fame was set up in 2011 and includes some of the biggest names in sport.
Further information about the Hall of Fame can be found on the Loughborough Sport website.