She said when she was struggling, she often felt “isolated and unsure” of where to turn for support.
Keegan said that experience motivated her to help create a supportive environment which she wished had existed for her and for others going through similar challenges.
To help address gaps in support for athletes, Keegan co-founded Athlete Interactions, a peer-support charity helping sportspeople experiencing challenges relating to body image, bullying and mental health.
The organisation is part of an initiative led by the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee and Worldwide Olympic Partner, helping it expand its support programmes and reach more people in elite sport.
Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Sheffield and Keegan’s doctoral supervisor, Prof Siddharth Patwardhan, said: “Amber’s achievements across research, elite sport and athlete welfare are exceptional.”
He said she was “the most resilient student” he had ever supervised.
“Despite facing some extremely challenging situations she has continued with the same intent, making her a highly deserving recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal.”
Keegan also regularly supports outreach, mentoring and public engagement activities with schools, sports organisations and community groups.
