Olympian Katherine Grainger awarded Dundee University honorary degree

Five-time Olympic medallist Katherine Grainger was handed the accolade for her services to sport and charity, while security agency chief Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller was recognised for her work with biomedical research charity, the Wellcome Trust.

The Glasgow-born star has contributed hugely to improving access to sport, play, and physical exercise for low and middle income families around the world.

Speaking at Thursday’s ceremony, she said: “It’s really lovely to be back in Dundee.

“I spent time growing up in both Glasgow and Aberdeen so it was an obvious stopping point for us as a family.

“I have so many happy memories here, especially of getting on board the beautiful Discovery ship docked at the waterfront.

“The city has changed a lot since then. It really is developing into a stunning place. The new V&A museum is coming together too. I find it all very impressive.”

Dame Grainger added that seeing so many students graduate around her brought back memories of her “much loved” student life.

“I must admit I felt sad when receiving my PHD and degrees,” she said.

“I thought it would be the last time I would attend university so it feels nice to be involved in a ceremony like this again.

 “Time at university is just such a lovely period in life and I honestly feel the same as all of them today.

“Since Rio in September I’ve been busy doing charity stuff for various organisations I work for in sport alongside TV appearances for the BBC.

“I’ve just been given a new job as chair at UK Sport too which is huge for me.

“It’s obviously an exciting time to be involved in the behind-the-scenes aspect of sport in the UK and the big challenge will be to continue the success we have seen recently.”