Laura Hampson
You’ve probably seen Jeanette Kwakye on your TV by now. The former Olympic sprinter-turned-sports pundit has been leading the BBC’s early day coverage for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
But, what you may not know is all about her own journey to the Olympics – and how she just missed out on a medal.
Who is Jeanette Kwakye?
Jeanette Kwayke is a former Olympic sprinter-turned-BBC presenter who was born in Woodford Green in London in March 1983 to parents from the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana.
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She picked up running as a teenager before graduating from Loughborough University with a degree in Politics and Economics.
She is married with two children.
What is Jeanette Kwakye’s sprinting background?
Kwakye began running seriously as a teenager, running for Woodford Green with Essex Ladies, and began to progress through the junior ranks – winning a bronze medal in the 4×100 metre relay at the 2002 World Junior Championships.
However, it wasn’t until 2005 that Jeanette Kwakye went pro, and placed fourth in the 60 metres in the 2007 European Indoor Championships and became the British champion in the 100 metre sprint.
During the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships, she broke the British 60 metre record with a 7.08 second run, winning silver in that competition.
That same year Kwakye became the first British woman in 24 years to make the 100 metre final at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games – but she just missed out on a medal, finishing sixth.
In 2010, Kwakye injured her Achilles tendon and knee which kept her out of competitions – but in 2011, Kwakye reached the semi final of the World Championships for the 100 metres.
She won the British 60 metre indoor title in 2012, but did not qualify for the London Olympic Games due to injury and she retired in 2014.
When did Jeanette Kwakye become a BBC presenter?
After retiring, Kwakye studied for her NCTK qualification and began working for BBC Radio Berkshire before joining the BBC Radio London sport’s team and presenting for Sky Sports, Channel 5, and the BBC.