Vicky Tolfrey

Professor Vicky Tolfrey is a Professor of Applied Disability and Para Sport at Loughborough University, serving as Director of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS) and Director of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport. Her career spans roles with Paralympic teams, including work with Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, and Paratriathlon squads. She has supported athletes at major events like the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and London 2012 Paralympics, and is currently involved in projects for Paris 2024. Her research focuses on biomechanics, wheelchair propulsion, thermoregulation in disability sports, and classification systems.

Education: PhD in Sport Science from Manchester Metropolitan University (1993) awarded the Exercise and Sport Science Department prize. Part-time PhD on wheelchair propulsion techniques (1999). Academic career includes roles at Manchester Metropolitan University (2002-2007) before joining Loughborough University in 2007.

Research interests emphasize applied sport science for Paralympic athletes, injury prevention in wheelchair sports, and improving classification systems. Key work includes studies on shoulder pain mechanisms, heat stress management, and wearable technology validation for wheelchair users. She edited the seminal 'Wheelchair Sport' handbook (Human Kinetics) and developed evidence-based exercise guidelines for spinal cord injury populations.

Awards: BASES Fellowship (2011), IPC Paralympic Scientific Award (2017), and recognition as one of Loughborough University's Inspirational Women in Sport. Active in international sport governance, previously serving on the International Paralympic Committee Sport Science and Medicine Group (2005-2010).

• Advising: Extensive mentorship in disability sport science and classification systems
• Grants: Multiple research grants focusing on Para sport performance and health
• Labs/Teams: Leads the Peter Harrison Centre, collaborating with global Paralympic organizations