Sprinter Julian Golding, 37, graduated from the Sport and Exercise Science degree with first class honours this year - all part of his new goal to become a teacher. The former Olympic athlete and Commonwealth Games gold medallist competed for Team GB in Sydney 2000,
He is currently school games organiser for Lea Valley High School in Enfield, setting up sporting activities as well as being a class tutor at the school. He said: "Finishing my degree is a culmination of hard work and dedication. The tutors have been great, they've been really motivating and inspirational. I've made friendships here which I hope to continue."
Golding was a successful 100m and 200m sprinter winning gold in 200m at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, and bronze at the European Championships in Budapest, both in 1998. He also won gold as a 4 x 100m runner in both championships in 1998. Julian also tasted success on the world stage at the 1997 World Championships in Athens where he picked up a bronze, running the last leg of the 4 x 100m.
He said: "The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of any athlete's career – it was a fantastic experience being part of Sydney 2000. My advice to any students or youngsters who one day hope to compete in the Olympics is to train exceptionally hard, you have to be dedicated to your sport."
Middlesex director of sport courses Phil Barter said: "Julian was a fantastic student producing some excellent work throughout the duration of the course. The presence of an elite athlete on the course added outstanding expert knowledge for everyone involved and really enhanced the student learning experience."
