Joe Wicks MBE
Fitness coach, media personality, and campaigner
Sports Science, 2005
Fitness coach, media personality, and campaigner Joe Wicks is one of the UK’s most famous personalities. From posting 15-second recipe videos on Instagram in 2014 to leading his hugely successful PE with Joe livestreams during lockdown, Joe has grown one of the most followed fitness accounts on both Instagram and YouTube. He was awarded an MBE for his services to fitness and charity in 2020.
“I didn’t imagine anything like this was going to happen in my life, but I’m so proud of it.”
Chasing that simple goal
Joe studied Sports Science at St Mary’s University, graduating in 2005 with a 2:1 degree. Reflecting on his years at university, Joe shares that it was tough staying focused and dedicated for that amount of time, but that graduation day was one of his proudest and happiest moments.
His love for St Mary’s actually began on a school visit to the University when he was 14-years old. Before that visit, Joe had never thought that going to university was something he could do. He recalls thinking what a lovely environment and community St Mary’s felt like, and even texted his mum on the coach home that he was going to come back to St Mary’s and get a degree in Sports Science.
Joe Wicks receives his Honorary Doctorate from St Mary's.
Like many students, Joe was still figuring out what his next steps would be after graduation. However, something that was clear from his time at St Mary’s was that exercise was always the one thing he loved.
After taking some time to travel, Joe started as a personal trainer and began sharing recipes and workouts online. For Joe, it wasn’t about figuring out his long-term plan, but rather the simple goal of finding his purpose. The one thing he was certain of was that he loved exercise, movement, and getting people going.
“The reason I’m successful is because I’m so focused on that simple goal.”
Having started to grow a following on his Instagram and YouTube accounts, Joe saw huge numbers join him during the pandemic. While the country was in lockdown, Joe helped ensure children were staying active at home with his PE with Joe livestreams.
Despite achieving numerous awards and TV and book deals, it is these livestreams that Joe sees as the highlight of his career. He shares that nothing has meant more to him than seeing the impact that PE with Joe had, and knowing that he helped people through a difficult time.
In 2022, Joe became the first ever recipient of an Honorary Doctorate at St Mary’s. Having received his undergraduate degree in the subject 17 years earlier, Joe says that it felt mind blowing being invited back to be given an Honorary Doctorate in Sport Science.
He adds that he felt quite emotional while giving his commencement speech at the graduation ceremony in Westminster Cathedral, and that he was so proud to be able to go home and show his family his Honorary Doctorate from St Mary’s.
“For me to come through university and achieve a 2:1 is something I’m really proud of.”
