Dr Mike Hutchinson

Mike studied for a BSc in Sport and Exercise at the University of Bath, during which he completed a placement with Paralympics GB in the lead up to the 2012 London Games where he was first introduced to Professor Vicky Tolfrey.

Thereafter, Mike was involved with research conducted in the PHC before making the move to Loughborough for his MSc in Exercise Physiology, where his final research project was supervised by Vicky. Mike then continued his journey at Loughborough with a PhD in "The application of subjective ratings of perceived exertion to regulate exercise intensity during upper body exercise".

Mike finished his PhD in 2019 but remained in the Peter Harrison Centre as a Research Assistant/Lab Technician. During this period he was able to make connections in the field of Para Sport, gain practical academic experience and develop a strong interest in classification.

Mike joined Paralympics GB in January 2022 as an Athlete Services Manager. Mike is responsible for the development and delivery of Team GB’s classification strategy - supporting sports in preparation for the Paralympic Games.

Mike works closely with the sports to ensure that athletes have got the required classifications completed, to guide them through this process, and support them with any issues that arise.

He also assists in providing education to various stakeholders including athletes, coaches, practitioners, family, care providers etc. on what to expect from the classification process.

Mike is looking forwards to the Paris 2024 games next year, as well as the winter games in 2026. He is also looking beyond that to the LA games in 2028 which are fast approaching. Ahead of the Games he explained:

The PHC team would like to thank Mike for sharing his journey, from his time with us and the influence this has had in his career to date. We can’t wait to hear and see how Mike and Paralympics GB get on at the upcoming games and will all be watching on.