Dame Kelly Holmes, who will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of York next month DOUBLE Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes is to be honoured by the University of York in the New Year. Dame Kelly will join classical trumpeter Alison Balsom and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Nancy Kanwisher in being presented with honorary doctorates during online graduation ceremonies in January. A university spokeswoman said Dame Kelly was one of the UK’s most popular and inspiring athletes, who still held British records in the 600m and 800m. "She is a double Olympic and two-time Commonwealth champion, and a multi-medallist at Commonwealth European and World Championships," she said.