Former Olympic athlete Tessa Sanderson CBE, 68, talks gold medal highs, being part of the 2012 London Olympic bid team, inspiring the next generation of sportswomen – and becoming a mum in her 50s.
Words: Katy Sunnassee. Images: Tessa Sanderson and Estée Lauder.
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I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since I won my Olympic gold. It feels like yesterday that I was standing on the podium in Los Angeles, the national anthem playing, with a gold medal around my neck. Winning Olympic gold was a dream come true, but it was also so much more than that. I still remember the feeling of pure joy when I realised I had won.
The years of early morning training sessions, the injuries, the disappointments – all of it had led to that one moment. I was overwhelmed with emotion, not just for myself, but for everyone who had supported me along the way. My family, my coaches, my friends – they all played a part in that victory. Now, 40 years later, I still get emotional thinking about it. It was the defining moment of my career. I’m so grateful for everything it brought me, from the opportunities it opened up to the reach it gave me to inspire others.
Athletics gave me a platform to speak out for others. When I first started competing, I was just focused on my own goals – winning medals, setting records, and pushing myself to be the best. But as I gained recognition, I realised that I could use my voice to advocate for others too. Whether it was supporting women in sports, or advocating for better funding and resources for young athletes, I’ve always tried to use my platform for good.
I’m now an ambassador for Women In Sport. I am passionate about encouraging young girls, especially young black girls, to pursue their dreams, no matter what obstacles they face. I know how hard it can be to break into a world where you don’t always see people who look like you, but I want them to know that it’s possible. If my journey can inspire even one young person to keep going, then it’s all been worth it. It’s about showing them that they can achieve greatness, no matter what challenges they face.
I’ve always had a strong network of sporting friends. When you have been competing for 26 years, relationships form that can last a lifetime. Several of my sporting friends were bridesmaids at our wedding, including Dame Kelly Holmes, Sharron Davies and Christine Ohuruogu. Daley Thompson is like a brother to me. I keep in touch with so many outside the UK team too – Edwin Moses came to Team GB House to support me for my 40th celebration in Paris.
Working on the London 2012 bid was a proud moment for me. When I was asked to be a part of the London 2012 Olympic bid team, as the vice-chair of Sport England, I jumped at the chance. The Olympics had given me so much, and I wanted to help bring that experience to the next generation of British athletes. Being part of the bid team was an incredible experience. We travelled the world, showcasing London’s vision for the Games and what it would mean for the city and the country. It wasn’t just about the sport, it was about leaving a legacy, inspiring a nation, and bringing people together.
I was so proud when we won the bid – I knew that London would put on a fantastic Games, and I wasn’t wrong. The London 2012 Olympics were a triumph, and seeing the impact they had on the nation, especially on young people, was one of the proudest moments of my life. I’ll never forget the buzz in the city, the excitement in the air, and the feeling that we were all part of something truly special. The Games not only celebrated athletic achievement but also highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of London and the UK as a whole. It was an honour to have played a role in making it all happen…
Read the full interview in the September issue of Top Santé, out now!
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Variety, the Children’s Charity offers practical help to give children and young people across the UK a better future. Find out more at variety.org.uk. Women In Sport campaigns for equality in sport. Visit womeninsport.org. Follow Tessa on X @tessasanderson and at instagram.com/tessasandersoncbe.
