TAVISTOCK’S own Olympic silver medallist Heather Fell has received an honorary fellowship from Brunel University in London.

Heather, who won silver in the women’s modern pentathlon in Beijing 2008, said it was a ‘humbling experience’ to be part of the graduation ceremony last month.

She graduated with a BSc in physiotherapy in 2004 and became Brunel’s first alumna of the year in 2009.

In the list of honorary graduates, it mentioned how Heather overcame career-threatening injuries in 2006. It described Heather as showing not only determination, but also a ‘serious aptitude for multi-tasking’ as she was training for five events while holding down three jobs in order to meet the costs of being an international athlete.

It read: ‘This dedication clearly paid off as Heather won medals in the World Cup, European and World Championships, qualified for the Olympics which culminated in a fantastic silver medal at the Beijing Games, taking her to the top of the world rankings.

‘Heather retired from competition in 2014 to pursue a career in the media. Heather remained tremendously supportive of Brunel and is a great ambassador for the university.’

Upon receiving the honour, Heather said the whole experience was humbling: ‘I was almost lost for words during my acceptance speech, a problem I rarely encounter. The award is just another example of how much sport has given me, the opportunities it has provided and the exciting future it has opened up.

‘I was not alone in receiving a fellowship related to sport this year, it is so encouraging to see that academic endeavours are not the sole focus for universities.’