Tessa Sanderson is a former British Javelin thrower who won Gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Appearing at every Olympic games between 1976 and 1992, Tessa became the first British athlete to win a gold at the Olympics in the javelin and was the first Black British athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. Now a popular and sought-after speaker, Tessa has a unique perspective into the world of elite sport and the dedication and resilience it takes to reach your potential and perform at your best.
Tessa’s javelin career began at just 16 when she won the intermediate javelin event at the English Schools’ Athletics Championships. She went on to break the British javelin-throw junior record five times and set the national record in 1976. Throughout her career, Tessa would set a staggering ten national and five Commonwealth records. In 1978, Tessa won her first Gold at the Commonwealth Games, she would go on to win a further three Commonwealth Gold medals and in the IAAF World Cup in 1992. Throughout her career, Tessa enjoying a continuous rivalry with fellow British javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread, and in the 1984 Summer Olympics, Tessa set a new Olympic record taking the Gold. Over the course of her career, Tessa appeared at five Olympic games, setting a record for Olympic appearances by a British athlete.
Since her retirement from the sport in 1996, Tessa became the Vice-Chairman of Sports England between 1999 and 2005 and joined the Board of the Government Sports Honours Select Committee in 2005. In 2009, Tessa joined the Board of the Olympic Park Legacy Company to support with the London 2012 Olympic Games. Passionate about sport the power of sport, in 2009, Tessa founded the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy to support young people to build healthier lifestyles and support social wellbeing through sport. A role model who is consistently looked to improve sports participation and accessibility, Sanderson is an exceptional athlete, leader and Olympic speaker.
Appointed a CBE in 2004 for her services to Sport England, Tessa is now a sought-after speaker with inspiring stories from her ground breaking Olympic career to share. With unique insights in to the resilience it takes to perform in elite sport and what it takes to perform at your peak, Tessa is able to relate and connect with all audiences. Champions Speakers are honoured to be an official speaker agent for Tessa Sanderson, so if you’re looking for an Olympic legend to inspire at your next event, get in touch today.
Social Media
Books
Tessa: My Life in Athletics
Agent Recommendation
Tessa Sanderson CBE is a trailblazing Olympic gold medallist and six-time Olympian. A sporting icon and captivating speaker, she shares powerful insights on resilience, peak performance and breaking barriers. With inspiring stories from her groundbreaking career, Tessa connects with audiences of all backgrounds.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events:
"Tessa was great – such a good speaker and its so lovely how her bubbly personality came through throughout. Tessa's passion, energy and personality really shone through." - BP
“Tessa was brilliant. She arrived early – took time to talk to people and pose for pictures with the children – I would definitely use her again.” - Health Communities Team
- 2022 – Awarded Variety’s Legend Award for ‘Outstanding Female Contribution to Sport’
- 2012 – Inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame
- 2009 – Founder of the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy
- 2005 – Board Member at Government Sports Honours Select Committee
- 2009 – Board Member at Olympic Park Legacy Company
- 2004 – Appointed CBE
- 2002 – Vice Chair at Sport England
- 1992 – Won Gold at the IAAF World Cup
- 1990 – Won Gold at the Commonwealth Games
- 1986 – Won Gold at the Commonwealth Games
- 1985 – Appointed MBE
- 1984 – Won Gold at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics
- 1978 – Won Gold at the Commonwealth Games
- 1977 – Won Bronze at the IAAF World Cup
How to hire Tessa Sanderson
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Tessa Sanderson for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at Tessa.Sanderson@championsukplc.com for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
