Who are the BBC athletics commentators?
WATCHING the Paris 2024 Olympics would be nothing without the BBC’s insightful commentary.
The broadcaster has assembled a talented team of speakers, featuring legends and experts who have brought their extensive experience to the event.
Who are the BBC athletics commentators?
Steve Cram
Steve Cram is a retired British middle-distance runner.
He set world records in the 1500, 2000, and 3000 meters, earning him the nickname “The Jarrow Arrow.”
Following his competitive career, Steve became a sports commentator.
He became the BBC’s lead commentator at the London 2012 Olympics and has since been a prominent voice in athletics commentary at the Olympic Games.
Andrew Cotter
Andrew Cotter is a Scottish sports broadcaster.
He is known for his work with the BBC, covering a variety of sports including golf, rugby union, tennis, athletics, and The Boat Race.
Hailing from Troon, Ayrshire, Andrew holds a degree in French and Philosophy from the University of Glasgow.
He initially began his broadcasting career at Scot FM before moving to BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky News in 2000.
The presenter transitioned to television in 2001, where he has become a familiar voice for major events such as the Wimbledon Championships, The Open Championship, and various athletics competitions, including the Olympics.
In 2020 Andrew went viral for commentating on his Labrador dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paula Radcliffe
Paula Radcliffe is a former British long-distance runner.
Born on December 17, 1973, in Davenham, Cheshire, she became the world’s fastest female marathoner with a record time of 2:15:25 set in 2003, which stood until 2019.
Paula has won three London Marathons, three New York Marathons, and the Chicago Marathon in 2002.
However, she faced backlash after expressing support for convicted rapist Steven van de Velde.
During an LBC interview, Paula stated that she believed Van de Velde should not be “punished twice” and wished him “the best of luck” for the Paris Games, leading to widespread outrage on social media.
Steve Backley
Stephen James Backley is a retired track and field athlete.
He set a world record with a throw of 91.46 meters in 1992.
Throughout his career, Stephen secured four gold medals at the European Championships, three golds at the Commonwealth Games, and earned two Olympic silver medals.
After retiring from competitive athletics, he joined the BBC athletics commentary team for the London Olympic Games in 2012 and has since become the main commentator for field events at various competitions
Colin Jackson
Colin Ray Jackson is a retired Welsh athlete known for his achievements in sprinting and hurdling.
He won an Olympic silver medal and became a two-time world champion in the 110-meter hurdles.
His world record of 12.91 seconds in the 110 meter hurdles stood for nearly 13 years, and his 60 meters hurdles world record has remained unbeaten for almost 27 years.
After retiring from competitive athletics, Colin transitioned into sports commentary and television presenting.
In addition to his media work, Jackson has involved himself in coaching and charitable activities.
Jazmin Sawyers
Jazmin Sawyers is a British long jumper and sports presenter.
She recently won gold at the 2023 European Indoor Championships with a British indoor record jump of 7.00 meters.
Jazmin earned silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2022 European Championships.
Currently, Jazmin is a BBC commentator for the 2024 Paris Olympics, after recently undergoing surgery for an Achilles injury.
How many medals has Team GB won so far in athletics?
As of August 3, 2024, Team GB has not yet won an athletics medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The athletics competition is taking place from August 1, 2024, to August 11, 2024.
