Ali Jawad trailblazers recognised in Leeds Beckett University Hall of Fame

Leading figures from Paralympic sport have been recognised in Leeds Beckett University’s Sport Hall of Fame, a tribute celebrating alumni who have made a lasting impact in their sport and beyond.

Among those honoured were Paralympian and disability sport advocate Victoria Aggar and Paralympic powerlifter Ali Jawad, both recognised for their achievements in elite sport and their contribution to advancing visibility, representation and inclusion within disability sport. 

Both inductees studied at Leeds Beckett University and went on to achieve success at the highest level of Paralympic sport. Victoria Aggar graduated in 2001 with a degree in Physical Education and began her career in sport during her time at the university. Ali Jawad graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, training in Leeds as he prepared for the 2012 Summer Paralympics. 

Speaking about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Ali Jawad said: “Being inducted into the Sport Hall of Fame means so much to me. I have incredible memories at Leeds Beckett, and to be recognised in a city that has played such an important role in my journey is deeply meaningful. 

It feels like a fitting way to close this chapter of my life as a competitive athlete. If I can achieve even a third of what I did in sport in the next stage of my journey, I’ll be very happy.” 

Peter Mackreth, Dean of Carnegie School of Sport and Chair of the LBU Sport Hall of Fame Sub-Committee, said: "This year's inductees demonstrate the extraordinary impact that Leeds Beckett graduates continue to have across the sporting landscape. Their achievements span elite competition, coaching, officiating, education and leadership, showing that success in sport can take many forms. 

"As we celebrate the latest Hall of Fame inductees, we are recognising not only individual accomplishment but also the collective influence these alumni have had on their sports, their communities and future generations. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the role sport can play in inspiring people and creating lasting change." 

The Leeds Beckett University Sport Hall of Fame celebrates alumni who have made a lasting impact within their sport and serves to inspire future generations of athletes, coaches, officials and practitioners. 

The Hall of Fame 2026 event, hosted by sports presenter Tanya Arnold, took place at Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie School of Sport on Saturday 27 June, with many inductees attending to celebrate their achievements and reconnect with the university that helped shape their careers. 

The Hall of Fame honour board is now on public display at the Carnegie School of Sport. 

A digital version of the?Hall of Fame is?also?available to view?online?here:?https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/halloffame? 

Full list of inductees:? 
Alexandra Bell – Athletics 
Sir Brendan Foster CBE – Athletics 
Andy Banks MBE – Diving 
Sarah Barrow – Diving 
Marc Holdsworth – Diving 
Adrian Hinchcliffe – Diving 
Sir Bob Murray CBE – Football 
Sam Quek MBE – Hockey 
Natalie Metcalf – Netball 
Victoria Aggar – Para Athlete 
Ali Jawad – Para Powerlifter 
Peter Latham MBE – Physical Education 
Jo Jackson – Race Walking 
Guin Batten - Rowing 
Ben Thaler – Rugby League 
Julia Lee MBE – Rugby League 
Jamie Peacock MBE – Rugby League 
Michael Shenton – Rugby League 
Brian Campsall – Rugby Union 
Stuart Lancaster – Rugby Union 
Peter Smith MBE – Sport 
Claire Huddart - Swimming