Four‑time Olympic champion gives inspirational talk on women’s leadership and how sport can shape confidence, character and opportunity.
Dr Deng Yaping.
The University of Birmingham welcomes four‑time Olympic champion Dr Deng Yaping to campus for a visit, bringing together students, staff and members of the local community to explore themes of women’s leadership, sport and global exchange.
More than 800 people listened to Dr Deng’s inspirational talk and Q&A on women’s leadership, and the role sport can play in shaping confidence, character and opportunity. The event was one of the largest non‑graduation student gatherings at Birmingham, reflecting the strong interest from across the University community and beyond.
One of the most successful table tennis players in history and an iconic figure in Chinese sport, Dr Deng drew on her experiences from her career in elite sport, and the resilience this instilled in her, and her subsequent transition into education and entrepreneurship.
Speaking about leadership and confidence as something starting from within and developing over time, Dr Deng shared how she was shaped by her experiences both on and off the field. Dr Deng encouraged attendees to have confidence in their decisions and view mistakes as an essential part of learning and growth.
Her talk prompted questions from students and staff with discussions touching on resilience, ambition and the importance that sport plays in developing these skills.
Dr Shushu Chen and Dr Deng Yaping.
Following the lecture, Dr Deng took part in a roundtable discussion chaired by Professor Deborah Longworth, Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (Education) and featuring colleagues from across the University, including Professor Jonathan Frampton, Deputy Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (China) and Director of the China Institute, Professor Gareth Wallis, Head of the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Andy Allford, Director of UB Sport.
The conversation focused on potential collaboration between Yaping Sports Group and the University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, with shared interests around coaching excellence, leadership development and applied research. Discussions reflected the school’s internationally recognised strengths in sport education and the close links between research, teaching and practice at Birmingham.
Discussions also featured the University’s recently launched coaching framework ‘Character Through Sport: Principles and Practices of a Virtues-Based Framework'. The framework explores how sport can support the development of values and leadership qualities, combining academic research with practical application.
Professor Deborah Longworth, Dr Deng Yaping, Professor Jonathan Frampton.
“Dr Deng’s visit offers an inspiring opportunity for our students, staff and local community. Her reflections on leadership and learning resonated strongly across the University community. Welcoming an athlete of Dr Deng’s international calibre speaks to the quality of our sport education and research, and to our global reputation that continues to attract world‑leading figures to our campus.”
The University is currently ranked second in the UK and ninth worldwide for sports‑related subjects in the QS World University Rankings, reflecting its strong research, teaching quality and student experience.
Dr Deng’s visit took place during the centenary year of the World Table Tennis Championships and demonstrates the long‑standing role of sport in international exchange. It also coincides with a significant moment for the University, as Birmingham marks 80 years since it became the first UK university to offer undergraduate teaching in physical education in 1946, later being launched as a degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences.
The visit concluded at the University of Birmingham’s Sports Centre, where Dr Deng joined Andy Allford for an informal game of table tennis.
“It is a privilege to welcome Dr Deng, and her visit highlights the breadth of sporting activity at the University of Birmingham - from participation and performance to research and education, and the positive role sport can play in bringing people together.”
Dr Deng standing with the audience.
Dr Deng Yaping’s visit underscores the University of Birmingham’s global standing in sport excellence, education, research and performance and demonstrates the leading role the University plays in international sports collaboration. Proudly rooted in one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities, the University is a global institution with a continued commitment to its city. Through strategic partnerships with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham City Football Club, Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships and Birmingham Royal Ballet, the University continues to develop opportunities for research, education and the City of Birmingham.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Biographical and contact information for Professor Deborah Longworth in the Department of English at the University of Birmingham.
