Jeanette Kwakye

Jeanette Kwakye made history by being the first British woman to reach the 100m Olympic final in over 20 years. Of the sport, she says: “I get aggressive. My body is taken over.” The Olympian takes time to answer our quick questionnaire.

BHM: Describe yourself in 3 words.
Jeanette Kwakye: Determined. Strong and Fun.

Who is your Black History Month hero?
I have many idols.  Black History Month is always a time to reflect on the achievements of black people who have achieved so much.  In terms of past innovators I look up to people like Jesse Owens 1936 Olympic Champion and Martin Luther King Jr.  Presently I admire barack Obama also I admire his vision for change.  In terms of mentoring, I look up to my coach Michael Afilaka without whom none of my achievements would have been possible.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I always wanted to be an athlete. Always. I loved sport and running and I was very competitive when I was younger.

What is your greatest ambition?
To win Olympic Gold

What is your greatest achievement to date?
Making the Olympic final and breaking the British indoor 60m record. Both are achievements that have not been done in the last 2 decades.

Jeanette Kwakye is helping to promote the Black Health information available on the NHS Choices Website, www.nhs.uk/livewell/blackhistorymonth

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