Penny, who graduated from Loughborough in 1988 with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, has over 30 years' experience in elite sport as an athlete, coach, manager and director.

As Chef de Mission at the last four Paralympic Games, the ParalympicsGB team has seen phenomenal success. At the Tokyo Games they brought home 124 medals and finished second in the medal table.

Over the years Penny has remained a close friend of the University, working with Loughborough’s Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport on a number of collaborations. And in 2017 she was awarded an honorary degree by the University in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Olympic and Paralympic sport.

As a lay member of Council Penny will oversee all strategic matters relating to the University and help set the direction of the institution.

Speaking about her appointment, Penny said: “I am both honoured and delighted to be joining the Loughborough University Council. The opportunity to support strategy development and the future direction of such a prestigious institution – a world leading institution that prides itself on academic achievement, sporting success and student experience – is very exciting and something that I’m incredibly motivated by.

“Sport has played a huge role in my life for as long as I can remember, and I am looking forward to giving something back to the University that provided me with a fantastic post graduate experience which helped shape my thinking and my career.”

Professor Chris Linton, Loughborough’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “We are delighted Penny is joining the University Council. She has always been a great supporter of Loughborough, and her extensive knowledge and experience will be invaluable in helping to shape the University’s strategy over the coming years.”