Napier University honours sprinter Allan Wells

FORMER Olympic 100m champion Allan Wells has collected another award in recognition of his sporting achievements.

Margot and Allan Wells MBE receive Honorary Doctorates of Science from Napier Univeristy. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The sprinter, who won gold in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, received an honorary degree alongside his wife and coach Margot from Edinburgh Napier University.

The couple were recognised for their services to sport, and they joined around 1,750 students at a ceremony in the capital’s Usher Hall.

Wells, who also won four Commonwealth gold medals and an Olympic silver in the 200m, said he was “honoured” by the recognition.

“This award will rank highly among my achievements and it gives me great pleasure to receive it,” he said.

His wife, who has also helped coach swimmers, rugby and hockey players to improve their speed, posed for pictures with her husband outside the ceremony.

“I am exceedingly delighted and grateful to Edinburgh Napier University for this extremely prestigious award,” she said. “To be recognised for your efforts is always a great honour, especially when most of the work is done behind the scenes.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, principal and vice-chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It’s a great honour to have such accomplished figures joining our celebrations today.

“Their ambition, drive and success is a great inspiration to our students.”