Women in Sport is delighted to announce Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson CBE as its new President and acclaimed actor Jim Carter OBE as the charity’s Vice President.
They join Olympic gold medallist Becky Adlington OBE, the charity’s long-standing Patron, whose support and advocacy continues to play an important role in amplifying Women in Sport’s mission. These appointments mark a commitment by Women in Sport to unite women and men to champion equality in sport.
Tessa Sanderson made history as the first Black British woman to win an Olympic gold medal when she took the top spot in the javelin at the 1984 LA Games. A pioneering figure in British athletics, Tessa has been a leading advocate for girls and women in sport throughout her distinguished career. A PE teacher changed Tessa’s life forever when she not only spotted her potential but supported her to believe in it, and Tessa remains passionate about the power of high-quality PE and school sport.
Jim Carter OBE, best known for his role as Mr Carson in Downton Abbey, joins as Vice President. A lifelong sports fan and passionate supporter of women’s sport, Jim helped to establish the first women’s cricket team at his local club in Hampstead twenty one years ago, where his daughter, the actor Bessie Carter, proudly took to the field as opening bowler.
Jim has also recently presented Offscript and Onside, with former England rugby international Brian Moore. The podcast series, produced by Women in Sport, celebrates an incredible summer of women’s sport.
Together, Tessa and Jim will help raise the charity’s profile, reach new audiences and build support and funding for Women in Sport’s ground-breaking research and advocacy work.
“It’s a great privilege to take on this role and build on the brilliant work of Women in Sport,” said Tessa Sanderson CBE. “Sport has shaped my life and given me the self-belief and determination to succeed. I want every woman and girl to have the same opportunity to experience its rewards.”
Jim Carter OBE said: “Watching my daughter play in one of the first women’s teams at our local cricket club was a proud moment. It reminded me that equality in sport doesn’t just happen, it has to be built, supported and celebrated. I’m honoured to help Women in Sport continue building that future.”
Sport has shaped my life and given me the self-belief and determination to succeed.
Tessa Sanderson CBE
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of Women in Sport, added: “We’re so proud to have Tessa and Jim support our mission at Women in Sport, alongside our brilliant Patron, Becky. We need visible leaders who show that equality in sport is everyone’s responsibility. We need men and women to come together to take us to the next level and Tessa and Jim embody the unity we need – Tessa as a pioneer, Jim as an ally. Together they’ll help amplify our mission to make sport fair and joyful for every woman and girl.”
For over four decades, Women in Sport has been a leading voice for equality of the sexes in sport, using research, campaigns and partnerships to challenge barriers and inspire change so that every woman and girl can benefit from being active throughout her life.
Hear more from Tessa and Jim…
