Athletics coach who inspired Olympic glory is awarded honorary degree

The inspirational coach behind Jessica Ennis' spectacular Olympic triumph will be made an honorary Doctor of Letters at the University of Sheffield next week (15-19 July 2013). University of Sheffield alumnus and world-renowned athletics coach, Toni Minichiello, has worked with fellow Sheffield graduate Jessica Ennis for more than 15 years, helping to transform her raw talent into an Olympic heptathlon champion. The father of one, who lives in Sheffield, was crowned Coach of the Year 2012 and was the only British athletics trainer to coach an Olympic gold medallist and double British record breaking performance at the London games. "Receiving an honorary degree from the University of Sheffield is a great honour. It is wonderful to be recognised for coaching as sports coaches often go unrecognised in their achievements," said Toni. "Being an alumnus of the University, and having always lived in the city, I am very attached to the institution so it will be a very proud moment for me to receive this honour." After a phenomenal 2012 Toni is now working hard to prepare Jessica and the rest of his team for the World Championships which will take place in Moscow in August. Jessica, who is now Jessica Ennis-Hill after marrying her childhood sweetheart Andy Hill back in May, will try to win back her world title which she lost to Russia's Tatyana Chernova two years ago.