Tessa Sanderson

Tessa Sanderson, born on March 14, 1956, is a distinguished former British javelin thrower whose remarkable career spanned two decades. She made history by competing in every Summer Olympics from 1976 to 1996, achieving a pinnacle moment when she won the gold medal in the javelin throw at the 1984 Olympics. This victory not only marked her as a champion but also made her the first Black British woman to secure an Olympic gold medal, solidifying her legacy in the world of athletics.

Throughout her illustrious career, Sanderson showcased her exceptional talent by winning gold medals at three Commonwealth Games in 1978, 1986, and 1990, as well as at the 1992 IAAF World Cup. She was a formidable competitor, finishing as the runner-up at the 1978 European Athletics Championships and participating in three world championships in 1983, 1987, and 1997. Her prowess in the javelin is further highlighted by her three UK National Championship titles and ten AAA National Championship victories, alongside setting five Commonwealth records and ten British national records.

Sanderson's athletic journey was marked by a notable rivalry with fellow Briton Fatima Whitbread, who claimed the bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics. Beyond her achievements on the field, she has made significant contributions to sports media, serving as a sports reporter for Sky News since its inception in 1989 and making various guest television appearances.

In recognition of her contributions to athletics and her community, Sanderson was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1985 and later became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2004 New Year Honours. She served as Vice-chair of Sport England from 1999 to 2005 and founded the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy, dedicated to inspiring young people and individuals with disabilities to engage in sports.