Tessa Sanderson is an Olympic champion, former world record holder, and a true pioneer in track and field. She represented Great Britain at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and six Olympic Games — making history at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics by becoming the first Black British woman to win a gold medal. Her record-breaking javelin throw of 69.56m made her the first British athlete, male or female, to secure a gold medal for Team GB in a throwing event — a record that still stands today.

Born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, in 1956, Tessa migrated to Britain at age six as part of the Windrush Generation. She faced racism and xenophobia both at school and in the wider community, but found in athletics a sanctuary where she could prove her worth. At 13, encouraged by her PE teacher, she joined Wolverhampton & Bilston Athletics Club — the start of a 26-year career spanning javelin, heptathlon and pentathlon.

Since retiring in 1997, Tessa has dedicated herself to giving back — founding The Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy, advocating for clean sport and adoption, championing women in sport, and serving as Vice Chair of Sport England. She proudly serves as a Museum of Diversity ambassador, a role she has held from the very beginning, championing representation and inclusion in sport.