A former Olympic athlete and Commonwealth Games gold medallist has graduated from Middlesex University with first class honours.

Julian Golding, a sprinter who competed for Team GB in Sydney in 2000, graduated with a sport and exercise science degree yesterday. He now hopes to become a teacher.

Mr Golding, 37, is currently a games organiser at Lea Valley High School, in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, where he sets up sporting activities.

He said: “Finishing my degree is a culmination of hard work and dedication.

“My experience as an athlete helped. You appreciate having to juggle several things and it's good motivation for studying for a goal.

“The tutors have been great, they’ve been really motivating and inspirational. I’ve made friendships here which I hope to continue.”

Mr Golding was a successful 100m and 200m sprinter, winning gold in 200m at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, and bronze at the European Championships in Budapest, both in 1998.

He also won gold as a 4 by 100m runner in both championships.

Middlesex University director of sport courses, Phil Barter, said: “Julian was a fantastic student, producing some excellent work throughout the duration of the course.

“The presence of an elite athlete on the course added outstanding expert knowledge for everyone involved and really enhanced the student learning experience.

“He was a pleasure to teach and his professionalism and dedication to his studies is shown in his achievement of a first class degree.”