Speaking at Brunel University, in Uxbridge, West London last night where she received an honorary doctorate, she said, “Get knocked down seven times, stand up eight, because on the eighth time, you never know what will happen.“
Dame Kelly secured her place in history by becoming the first British female athlete to win both the 800m and 1500m, in the 2004 Olympic Games. She received the honorary. degree of DUniv (Doctor of the University) from the Chancellor, Lord Wakeham.
An honorary degree was also conferred upon Kelly Sotherton, one of Britain's leading heptathletes and a former Brunel student. She is a Commonwealth gold medallist (Melbourne, 2006) and an Olympic bronze medallist (2004, Athens). In 2005, Kelly broke the British indoor record for the 100m hurdles, previously held by Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell, at the opening of the Indoor Athletics Centre at Brunel University.
Both athletes were in conversation with Paul Dickenson, former BBC sports commentator who has an honorary master's degree from Brunel.
Dame Kelly added that one should “never live with regrets.“
Kelly Sotherton commented: ““You have got laugh in the face of adversity. If someone shuts a door in your face, you still have to persevere.“
Notes to Editors
For further details, contact the Brunel University Press Office. Email: press-office@brunel.ac.uk; 01895 265585; or, 01895 265098
Images can be downloaded from:
Flickr link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruneluniversity/sets/72157621632535141/
Caption (jpegs):
Dame Kelly Holmes receives her honorary degree from Lord Wakeham
Pictures by Sally Trussler.
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