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Lecture of a lifetime

Chrissie Wellington

Chrissie Wellington

3 December 2013

Chrissie Wellington, MBE, four-time Ironman triathlon World Champion and world record holder, spoke to a rapt audience in the Wills Memorial Building last week about her involvement in sport, her ‘life without limits’, and achieving things we never thought possible.

Wellington is one of only three women to have achieved three consecutive victories at the Ironman World Championships, and holds the four fastest times ever recorded by a woman over the ironman distance (a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon).

University Registrar Robin Geller said: ‘Chrissie is an inspirational figure and her lecture to a packed audience in the Great Hall lived up to expectations. She speaks from the heart; her passion for the triathlon and her drive to excel in her chosen field are evident in all that she says. The large audience was spell-bound and Chrissie was happy to answer questions that ranged from the philosophical to the very practical about her discipline and her future.’

Simon Hinks, Director of Sport, added: 'Chrissie has an amazing, inspirational story to tell and she told it wonderfully. Her almost unbelievable sporting journey, from someone who had hardly ever run, ridden or swum other than recreationally, to World Ironman Champion four times within such a short time, is interwoven with her "can do" attitude and willingness to push boundaries. She is an outstanding example of someone who set her sights on achieving something, delivered and was grateful to all those who inspired her. She is now doing the same for others.’  

The lecture, organised by the Public and Ceremonial Events Office in association with the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, raised £1,100 for the Elin Rose Appeal.

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