Born and raised in Cardiff, Elinor Barker began her journey to the top of world cycling at age 10 when she joined the Maindy Flyers Cycling Club. Her talent was quickly recognized, leading to her recruitment into British Cycling’s Olympic Development Academy.
Elinor's rise in the sport was swift. She became a world champion in team pursuit in 2013 and 2014 before claiming Olympic gold in Rio 2016 at just 21 years old. She later added a silver medal at the Tokyo 2021 Games and both silver and bronze at Paris 2024 — making her Wales’s most decorated female Olympian with four Olympic medals.
Besides her Olympic success, the 30-year-old is a three-time world champion and seven-time European champion in team pursuit. She is also a two-time world champion in points race and has claimed world titles in both madison and scratch races. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, she won gold in points race.
Elinor was appointed MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to cycling.
Following the birth of her son Nico in 2022, Elinor made a remarkable return to elite sport just five months later. She transitioned into road cycling by joining Women’s WorldTour team Uno-X while maintaining an impressive track season with double gold at the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow.
Recently announcing that she is expecting her second child due this December, Elinor remains focused on potentially returning to elite competition ahead of Los Angeles' 2028 Olympic Games.
On receiving an honorary award from Swansea University Elinor stated: “It’s really special to receive this award from Swansea University. I’m so glad that I was able to come and be part of these graduation celebrations on everybody's special day; it’s truly been lovely today – incredibly grateful.”