12:12pm Thursday 29th October 2009
By Will Carson
ROUND the world yachtsman Alex Thomson and Olympic sailing star Paul Goodison will be donning mortar boards after being awarded honorary degrees from Solent University.
Gosport-based Thomson, 33, became the youngest ever skipper to win a round the world yacht race when he was 25 and has gone on to compete in countless round the world races, notching up second place in the last Barcelona World Race.
Former Solent University graduate Goodison, 31, is the world’s top ranked Laser sailor, winning a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics and most recently winning the World Championships.
Team Volvo for Life sailor Paul said: “I’m surprised but delighted to have been given this award from my old University.
"I had a great time while studying there and made some great friends, so it will be really special to go back to collect my honorary degree.
"After coming home from the Olympics it was hard to believe this year would be so rewarding and I’m just bowled over by all the support I’ve received.”
Both will be presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Sport at the university’s presentation ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday.
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