Jonathan Edwards CBE

Jonathan Edwards CBE is an Olympic, Commonwealth and Word Triple Jump Champion.

Jonathan’s extraordinary achievements on the track have earned him a place in history as one of the World’s greatest and most loved athletes.

After a career that spanned some 15 years, Jonathan made his last competitive triple jump at the World Athletics Championships in Paris in 2003, signifying the end of an era for British Athletics.

Jonathan Edwards first made the record books in 1995 when he set a devastating World Record at the World Championships in Gothenburg with an amazing jump of 18.29m, to date no one has even come close to this distance.

In a glittering career that has spanned some 15 years, there are few titles that Jonathan did not win. However, it was not until Sydney 2000 that Jonathan achieved his ultimate goal of winning Gold at the Olympics. He jumped 17.77 at the glittering event in Sydney and captured the heart of the nation to return home to a hero’s welcome.

In 2002, Jonathan Edwards made the record books again and joined athletics’ most elite club when he added the Commonwealth Gold to his medal collection, meaning that he became one of only of four athletes in the world who has held all four major titles (Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth) at one time.

A marvellous career on track has been equally matched by his accolades off the track including the BBC’s prestigious Sports Personality of the Year Award (95) and a CBE in the New Years Honours List 2000.

In a reflection of his huge profile both as an athlete and as a role model, Jonathan has also achieved a great deal of success with carefully selected commercial partners including Ultralase, MG Rover and Engineering in the Olympics and in addition he currently enjoys fulfilling the prestigious role of Worldwide Ambassador for the Asics brand.

Career Highlights:

2003:

• World Championships, Paris, Retired Injured

2002:

• World Cup, Madrid – 1st
• European Championships, Munich, Bronze Medal
• Commonwealth Games, Manchester, Gold Medal

2001:

• Goodwill Games, Brisbane, Gold Medal
• World Championships, Edmonton, Gold Medal
• World Indoor Championships, Lisbon, Silver Medal
• European Cup, Madrid, GOLD Medal

2000:

• Olympics, Gold Medallist and World No.1
• Awarded CBE in the New Year Honours List

1999:

• World Championships, Seville, Bronze Medal

1998:

• European Championships, Gold Medal

1997:

• World Championships, Athens, Silver Medal

1996:

• Olympic Games, Atlanta, Silver Medal

1995:

• World Championships, Gothenburg, Gold Medal
• World Record Holder, 18.29m
• IAAF Athlete of the Year
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year
• Awarded an MBE

1994:

• Commonwealth Games, Silver Medal
• European Championships, 6th

1993:

• World Championships, Bronze Medal

1992:

• Barcelona Olympics, (DNQ)

1990:

• Commonwealth Games, Silver Medal

Jonathan presents from many athletics events including the London Marathon, Great City Games and Great North Run. In addition, Jonathan presented both the Canoe Slalom and the Athletics morning sessions of the London 2012 Olympic Games live from the stadium for BBC Sport. He joined the team at Channel 4 to present the morning show for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, as well as being in the studio for the Opening Ceremony. Jonathan has now also joined the BBC’s team as the presenter for their cycling coverage.

Jonathan held a dream position having been selected to sit on the board of LOCOG as their athlete representative – the highest-profile ex-athlete in a senior position outside of the Chairman.

He was Chair of the Sports Advisory Group, having played an important part in the success of the London 2012 bid as an Official Ambassador, and a member of the Athletes Advisory Group. He was also appointed as the Deputy Chair of the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group, helping to ensure the benefits of the Games were maximised across the UK.

Speaking Topics:

Jonathan offers a specific presentation on the ‘Business of the Bid’ As an integral member of the bid team he offers behind the scenes information on the construction and implementation of the bid effort including the leadership and the teamwork required for success.

Having been involved from the outset right up to the momentous outcome in Singapore Jonathan’s excitement, relief, joy and overwhelming enthusiasm for producing 2012 games is evident in this factual business address.

Key points include:

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Business strategy
• Personal Drive
• Commitment