Loughborough University Awards Honorary Degree To Jessica-Jane Applegate For Her Outstanding Sporting Achivements
Jessica-Jane Applegate, a Virtus Ambassador and seven-time Paralympic medallist, was awarded an honorary degree by Loughborough University for her remarkable achievements and contributions to disability sports.
She made history at the London 2012 Paralympics by winning gold in a Games record time, and continued her success with three medals at Rio 2016 (two silver, one bronze) and another trio at Tokyo 2020 (one gold, two bronze).
Her international accolades also include 10 World Championship medals (three gold, five silver, two bronze), five European Championship medals (three silver, two bronze), and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In recognition of her services to swimming, she was also awarded the ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire’ – MBE in the 2013 New Year Honours.
“I’m incredibly proud to receive this honour from Loughborough University. Over half of my life has been dedicated to my sport. Not just being recognised with someone with a disability, but to be recognised with someone who has a hidden disability means the absolute world to me.”
Beyond the pool, Jessica-Jane has become a prominent advocate for neurodiversity, using her platform to raise awareness and promote inclusion.
“My non-sporting achievement is campaigning for learning disability and neurodiversity. I went to Parliament twice to highlight the fact that female athletes with a learning disability were not allowed to compete in the Commonwealth Games, where male athletes were. In 2022, female athletes with a learning disability were able to compete, where I was able to compete.”
“I didn’t do this for myself; I did it for campaigning, for inclusion. So I wanted the world to be better. I wanted athletes to have something to aspire to. I also like to break stigma around stereotypes towards people with a learning disability and neurodiversity. People think that if you have a learning disability, you can’t. The truth is, you can. You may take longer, but you can achieve whatever you want to achieve.”
“Sport has changed my life, and I’ve always tried to use my journey to advocate for others with neurodiversity and unseen disabilities. I hope this inspires the next generation to know that there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, praised Jessica on receiving the degree:
“Jessica-Jane’s career has defined sporting excellence that is built on resilience, talent, and an unwavering dedication to achieving incredible results.”
“Beyond the medals and milestones, their commitment to inclusivity and creating pathways for others truly sets her apart. We are thrilled to award Jessica honorary degrees from Loughborough University.”
Virtus congratulates Jessica-Jane for this extraordinary achievement.
