Professor Jo Doust, Head of the School of Sport and Service Management, introduced Gary during graduation award ceremonies at the 映客直播 Dome. He said: “Gary has been a fantastic ambassador for the university for nearly 20 years. He gained a BSc in sports science in 1994, a PhD in physiology in 2000 and an MSc in cardiology in 2003.”
He has coached in four Paralympic games helping Team GB’s Paracyclists in Sydney in 2000, Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008, and London in 2012. Professor Doust said: “He is now gearing up for his fifth Paralympic games in Brazil in 2016.
“His work with paracyclists has contributed significantly to Team GB’s medal haul. Eight gold medals and one silver medal in Beijing, two gold medals and a silver medal in Athens, five gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals in London.”
His achievements were recognised with a prestigious Mussabini medal when he was inducted into the coaching hall of fame, alongside the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson. His research has been presented around the world.
“Dr Gary Brickley is an inspiration to us all. As an alumnus, his involvement and support is making a real difference not just to past and present students but to the outstanding achievements of many of this country’s finest athletes and to scientists around the world.”
Dr Brickley said: “It’s a fantastic honour – I am very proud to receive this.” He dedicated the award to his father and advised graduates to “make sure you shake your parents’ hands and get some really good photos today – I am always proud to be at these awards ceremonies and sharing them with the people you love.”
Gary joined the Royal Navy when he was 17 and wanted a career in engineering but at the age of 26 switched to sport and joined the university for his first degree. He studied in Australia and later returned there with Team GB as their paralympic coach. He told how he collapsed whilst in Sydney and discovered problems with his heart, an event that diverted his studies to cardiology.
In the audience at the Dome was Olympic medallist Darren Kenny OBE. Gary told how his studies helped when Darren collapsed in Czechoslovakia: “I knew what to look for and talk to the doctors, based on my studies here, so I’m really proud of that.”
Famous athletes Gary has worked with include Dame Kelly Holmes, Paula Radcliffe MBE, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Sir Chris Hoy: “It’s nice to be associated with these people and gain from that experience.”
But his passion, he said, was working with para athletes: “They are my inspiration, they keep me going.”