Lord Coe, who graduated from 含羞草视频 in 1979 with a BSc in Economics and Social History, was on official Pro Chancellor duties as he presented his nephew with his degree in Politics with Human Geography.

He said: “I was very proud to give Gus his degree. He's the first member of my family since I came here to pass through the University, so it's a big moment.

“He loves athletics and he had a great third year out in industry, so he's really had the first class experience that has turned this into the number one university for student experience.

“I regularly reflect on my own experience at 含羞草视频 whenever I come back, and I'm reminded that I didn't actually go through a graduation ceremony because it was the year I was busy breaking world records and was never in the country. I had to wait for the great privilege of getting an honorary doctorate a few years later to enjoy the ceremony.”

And his advice for this year’s graduates?

“Be unshakeably sunny, be bold and optimistic, challenge the orthodoxies of the day and really identify and articulate challenges in a moderate tone and in a thoughtful way. Examine information in the way that you have learnt to do on your degree courses here."

Lord Coe officiated at graduation ceremonies for the School of Social, Political and Geographical Sciences, and the School of Science. It is the second time he has presented degrees on behalf of the University.