Jonathan Edwards

summary

Jonathan Edwards’ 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 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.
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.

biography

Jonathan Edwards’ 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 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.
Awarded the MBE in 1996 and the CBE in 2001 in recognition of his achievements, Jonathan remains passionate about his sport but is eager to explore broadcasting. He utilises his interest and degree in science to present his own Radio 4 science series Jonathan Edwards Looks In To…. which is now on series 3.

The BBC first saw his potential off the track and Jonathan has naturally become one of the key pundits and commentators for BBC Sport covering all the major events including the Olympics in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. He also became one of the main faces presenting Songs of Praise, but later decided to retire, due to his loss of faith. 

Having successfully taken to the screen Jonathan was commissioned to be the front man for some of BBC 1’s landmark documentaries such as St Paul and Gods and Goddesses which were met with great acclaim. He also took the opportunity to improve his on-camera skills and became BBC Look North’s regional sports presenter, keeping his local fans happy.  Jonathan hosted a new prime time series of lifestyle programmes called Spirituality Shopper for Channel 5.
Jonathan sits on the board of LOCOG as their athlete representative. He is 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 has also been appointed as the Deputy Chair of the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group, helping to ensure the benefits of the Games are maximised across the UK.  He is a Lloyds TSB London 2012 Ambassador working closely with the bank up to and beyond the London 2012 Olympic Games. 

Jonathan has been required to take to the stage at countless high profile media gatherings. He is an accomplished, controlled and comfortable speaker.  He was our secret ticket during the final push in Singapore as he was rehearsed and ready to replace any of the speakers in the event of a problem – including Lord Coe himself.

Corporate Events

BUSINESS SPEAKER, MOTIVATIONAL & AWARDS HOST

Jonathan was firmly positioned as a key member of the 2012 bid team from the outset and secured his continued involvement as the athlete member serving on the London 2012 Organising Committee Board until the games itself.  His public positioning has cemented his profile as one of Britain’s most eloquent and intellectual sporting speakers….

Jonathan has been required to take to the stage at countless high profile media gatherings. He is an accomplished, controlled and comfortable speaker.  He was our secret ticket during the final push in Singapore as he was rehearsed and ready to replace any of the speakers in the event of a problem – including Lord Coe himself.

Style:
Jonathan is an experienced and professional speaker.  He is relaxed, natural and confident when he presents.  Eloquent and concise Jonathan is clear and controlled.  He attacks his addresses with a focused and intelligent style.

Content:
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.  The key focus areas, the leadership and the teamwork required for success.  Jonathan is passionate about everything the 2012 games will do for sport in this country and he translates this in a genuine and inspiring manner.  Having been involved from the outset right up to the momentous outcome in Singapore, Jonathan’s excitement, relief, joy and overwhelming enthusiasm for producing a 2012 games is evident in this factual business address.

Key Points:
· LEADERSHIP,
· TEAMWORK,
· BUSINESS STRATEGY,
· PASSION FOR SPORT,
· BACKGROUND TO SPORT,
· PERSONAL DRIVE AND COMMITMENT.

photos

Testimonials

“I would like to thank Jonathan for the most inspiring and thought provoking presentation. The feedback we have received on the presentation has been overwhelming…”
CEO, Thinc Destini

“Engaging openness honesty, insight to challenges and pressure, how he dealt with it and the key to his success. He provided personal exposure to his views on success which were very useful and insightful – people warmed to him and wanted to listen to him. He attracted large audience and helped us finish the day with a wow factor.”
Corporate Markets, Lloyds TSB
“Jonathan was truly inspiring….”
BT

“He had researched the audience thoroughly and his presentation was both interesting and inspirational.  In addition he was very personable and spent a lot of time meeting clients, signing autographs and posing for photographs.”
Addecco

“Your speech was truly enlightening and stimulating and provided a unique insight into the challenges faced by an elite sportsman.  It was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the conference and was extremely well received by the delegates.”
Mel Ewell, Chief Executive, Amey plc

“Jonathan attracted a large audience and helped us finish the day with a wow factor.  He talked personally about views and experiences and we had the impression that we were genuinely shown the real person. He provided personal exposure to his views on success which were very useful and insightful and also picked up on our language/culture. His status as world/gold champion and as a household name meant that we were in awe of him particularly because of his achievements. People warmed to him and wanted to listen to him and he created a feel good factor.”
W & IB Learning at work day, Lloyds TSB

“We are extremely happy and pleased with Jonathan’s professional performance.
He was so easy going and a great guy to work with.  The anniversary dinner was a huge success and we have had many mail’s from all over the world from guests who are stunned over the high level of entertainment.  Jonathan was a big part of this success.”
SKF & Lundström Events