Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards’ background

Jonathan Edwards, Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth Champion in athletics has truly secured himself a place in sporting history. An Olympic Ambassador and member of the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games for 2012, Edwards is now Chair of the Sports Advisory Group and a BBC sports commentator and presenter.

A natural athlete with a winning spirit and a comfortable, confident approach, Edwards can inspire and motivate audiences of all sizes. Taking the lessons he learned as a triple jumper, he is able to teach listeners how to apply the right mental attitude for success in both team and individual pursuits.

Edwards dedication and natural talent have seen him take a place in UK athletic history. He won a gold medal at the World Championships in 1995, becoming the first to carry out a jump of over 18 metres (setting a World Record 18.16 metres) before breaking his own record in the same competition, with a jump of 18.29 metres. He has since said that when he achieved these amazing records, he felt as though he could jump as far as he needed to in order to triumph. After the historic 1995 Championships, Edwards continued to excel. At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, he earned a silver medal with a jump of 17.88 metres and was awarded his MBE later the same year, in recognition of his achievements. He was even more successful at the Sydney Games in 2000, winning gold. The 2001 World Championships and the 2002 Commonwealth Games were also highlights of Edwards career, as he won gold at both. Such was his performance that he was awarded a CBE in 2001.

In 2003, Edwards retired from professional athletics, having become one of the most successful British athletes of all time. Following this move, Edwards decided to start a television career. Due to his religious beliefs at the time, he worked with Songs of Praise on BBC 1 for some time. He also combined his love of sport with his love of TV work and began working as a sports commentator. In 2007 and 2009, he presented the televised International Olympic Committee (IOC) sessions. He has appeared on a charity special of the popular TV quiz show Who Wants to be a Millionaire on ITV, a clear indicator that he has become a household name. Edwards worked representing athletics for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in preparation for the historic London games in 2012. This role in the Games, his positive attitude and his sporting prowess mean that he is now a sought after speaker, one who has worked with numerous high profile clients.

Awards, Accolades, Achievements, Honours

• World Record Holder (Men’s Triple Jump) since 1995
• Olympic champion
• World Champion
• European Champion
• Commonwealth Champion

Current/Past Roles and Positions

• Honorary Doctorate University of Exeter (2006)
• Honorary Doctorate – University of Ulster (2006)
• CBE (2001)
• MBE (1996)
• Sports Personality of the Year (1995)
• The Jonathan Edwards Sports Centre has been named for him
• at West Buckland School
• Chair – Sports Advisory Group
• Member – Athletes Advisory Group