Olympic swimming coach David McNulty has said he is proud to accept the award of an honorary degree from the University of Bath, the institution where he has delivered his globally renowned training programme for the past 16 years.
David McNulty and Stephen Baddeley | Photo © Team Bath / University of Bath
McNulty, who was heading to Paris this week for his sixth Games as part of the Team GB coaching staff, has guided swimmers – including reigning champions Tom Dean and Freya Anderson – to 11 Olympic medals during his time as Head Coach of the Aquatics GB Bath Performance Centre.
McNulty, who was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, will be officially presented with the honorary degree during the winter graduation ceremonies.
He has been based at the Team Bath Sports Training Village (STV) since 2008 and has worked closely with the university throughout that time, particularly Director of Sport Stephen Baddeley, to ensure the swimming facilities are world-class.
David McNulty has also made a significant contribution to the university’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading high-performance sport venues and the doctorate is the second recognition bestowed on him, following his induction into the University of Bath Hall of Fame for Sport in 2022.
He said: “Thank you to the University of Bath for this honour. I’ve been here for 16 years and never tire of that feeling of walking into the STV, past the Hall of Fame and Team Bath Gym which is always busy.
“The great thing about the university and the STV is there are lots of sports under one roof and it is a true high-performance environment, while also having the buzz that comes from being on campus and using the same facilities as the students, staff and public.
“I have always received tremendous support from the University of Bath. I have everything I need to deliver high-performance success and I wouldn’t want to be in any other place.”
Stephen Baddeley, who nominated him for the honorary degree, said: “David is a worthy recipient of this recognition.
“He is a pleasure to work with and has contributed so much to the university’s sporting culture, setting the standards for others to aspire to.
“He is also a hugely- popular figure around the STV and a fantastic advocate for the university.”
Meanwhile, the summer graduation ceremonies took place last week, during which Leah Crisp, who is part of the Bath Performance Centre squad and will make her Olympic debut at Paris 2024 in marathon swimming, officially graduated in Economics and Mathematics.
Other prominent student-athletes graduating this summer include Future Roses netballer Hannah Passmore (Criminology) and Welsh Rugby international Archie Griffin (Sports Performance).
The University of Bath is one of just eight UK Sport-accredited Elite Training Centres in the country, recognising its role in helping Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes and coaches achieve their full performance potential.
More than 20 athletes who train or study at the University of Bath have been selected to compete at this summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games including five members of McNulty’s Bath Performance Centre squad – Anderson, Crisp, Dean, Kieran Bird and Jacob Whittle.
