HUDDERSFIELD Olympic swimming legend Anita Lonsbrough yesterday received an honorary fellowship from Wolverhampton University.
And her husband, Hugh Porter, who won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in cycling, was also presented with a fellowship at the same ceremony in the city.
The couple - seen wearing their ceremonial university gowns after the awards - live in Wolverhampton.
Anita, 62, said today: "I think it was quite a unique occasion.
"I don't think they have had a husband and wife receive honorary degrees together before."
She added: "It is nice when you receive honours from where you compete for. But to receive an honour from your adopted home is very special.
"It was a beautiful day and one I shall treasure."
Anita clinched gold in the 200 metres breast-stroke at the 1960 Rome Olympics in a world record time.
The feat was voted among the top 100 sporting performances of the century by The Times newspaper.
At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics Anita carried the flag for the British team, - the first woman to do so.
In total, she established five world records.
Prof Craig Mahoney, dean of Wolverhampton University's School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure said: "She is an inspiration to hundreds of youngsters who want to get involved in sport.
"Her achievement, reputation and voluntary work has been of great benefit to large sections of the community."
Anita is the swimming correspondent for the Daily Telegraph.
