Why did you choose to study Sport and Exercise Science?  

Sport and Exercise has been a life-long interest arising from seeing and hearing about the inspirational performances of underdogs overcoming against the odds. It’s a place where what you do and not who are are that matters. The Jamaican bobsled team and Eddie the Eagle are among my all-time heroes. 

I chose to study BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning) at Manchester Met as I wanted a course that would help me to reach my goals. I also wanted a qualification from a University that was highly regarded in this field that would give me extra credibility when sharing my knowledge with others. Manchester Met was a perfect fit. It was also first-choice from a personal experience because I had been part of a research project which impressed me. 

What advice would you give to prospective students considering studying this course?   

Question what you currently believe and are going against what you are learning as you go and make changes as appropriate. In this way, you should find the course transformational and it could quite possibly send you in a different direction from the one you had in mind when you started the course. 

 Sport and Exercise Science is a great industry to work in, providing health, fitness, fulfillment and enjoyment for all. The opportunities are limitless, whether you’re self-employed, working full or part-time or a volunteer.

What are your greatest achievements so far?   

I left school with my only sporting success a certificate for third place in a wheelbarrow race. I discovered a sport that I could do, persevered, and ended up on the British Athletics team for five years competing in the 1980 Moscow Olympics finishing 11th in the 50 kilometers racewalk.

I retired from competing at age 34 but restarted at age 60 to do a few things I wished I had done when I was younger. I wanted to participate in a 100 mile non-stop walking race and also the Marathon des Sables (a marathon a day for a week across the Sahara). I completed both and started to complete again in Masters Athletics. 

I am now 72 and at the end of 2019, I was chosen as the British, European and World Masters Race Walker of the Year (all ages over 35 are awarded on an age-adjusted basis), as well as British and European Masters Athlete of the Year and World Runner-Up Masters Athlete of the Year (all events and ages over 35). I have won six World Age Championships and hold nine world age records. 

I am trying to give something back and currently hold the position of Chair of the British Masters Athletics Federation and serve on six different sports committees. 

I have had a highly successful career in Pensions Investment, holding a number of high-level positions. I retired at age 70 after 10 years as the Chairman of the Next retail chain’s £1bn pension fund.  

Finally, one of my greatest achievements is getting accepted onto this course at age 72, having finished formal education after A-levels and with no science background.   

What does diversity in Sport and Exercise science mean to you?   

Equality of opportunity for all regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socio-economic background, physical ability, beliefs and age.  Sport and Exercise should be for all and for life. If that is to be achieved, the industry and services it provides need to be diverse. 

What are your plans for the future?  

To use the knowledge and experience that I acquire from my degree to continue to improve my sports performance, challenging perceptions about older age and the limitations of the human body when it is trained to a high level using the latest scientific knowledge. 

Explore your career options.