Who is Jeanette Kwakye MBE? Meet the BBC pundit, former Olympic sprinter & Martin Lewis Money Show co-host
JEANETTE Kwakye is a retired sprinter with an inspiring journey marked by record-breaking performances and resilience through setbacks.
She transitioned from competing in the Olympics to becoming a prominent media personality and is now one of the commentators for the BBC at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Who is Jeanette Kwayke?
Jeanette Kwayke is a British broadcaster and retired sprinter.
She was born in Woodford Green in London on March 20, 1983.
Both of her parents were born in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana.
She graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Politics and Economics.
Jeanette quickly realised her sporting talent during her teenage years running for Woodford Green with Essex Ladies when she progressed through the junior ranks and turned pro in 2005.
In 2016 she married her Nigerian husband Tokunbo.
The couple have two children, one son and a daughter.
What has she achieved?
Jeanette won a bronze medal in the 4×100 metres relay at the 2002 World Junior Championships.
She placed fourth in the 60 metres at the 2007 European Indoor Championships and became the British Champion over 100m in 2007.
At the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships, she broke the British 60m record with a 7.08 run, winning silver.
Her highest achievement came in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games when the athlete became the first British woman in 24 years to make it to the 100m final, where she finished sixth.
The ex-Olympian had to withdraw from competitions in 2010 due to Achilles tendon and knee injuries.
However, in 2011, Jeanette reached the semi-finals at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, and became the British champion in the women’s 100m.
In 2012, she faced another setback, failing to qualify for the London Olympic Games due to injury.
Despite this, she won the British 60m indoor title.
Personal bests:
- 60m – 7.08sec (March 2008)
- 100m – 11.14 (August 2008)
- 200m 23.11 (July 2007)
She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2021 birthday honours list.
In January 2014, she retired from competition.
What does she do now?
After retiring, Jeanette studied for an NCTJ qualification and began working for BBC Radio Berkshire, later joining BBC Radio London’s sports team.
Since Jeanette retired from the sport, she has presented for Sky Sports, Channel 5 and the BBC which includes an hourly long show on BBC Radio London every Saturday called The Women’s Sports Show.
On 31 October 2023, she joined ITV’s “The Martin Lewis Money Show” as co-presenter.
She presents BBC coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Jeanette also writes for The Guardian, the Daily Mirror, and BT Sport, and works as an Athlete Mentor for the Youth Sport Trust.
When is Jeanette Kwakye on the Martin Lewis Money Show?
Jeanette joined the Martin Lewis Money Show as co-host for the series’ 13 season.
Making her debut on October 31, 2023, host Martin Lewis said: “We have a debutant on the show.
“Joining me for this our 13th series, please welcome Jeanette Kwakye.”
Jeanette replaces Angellica Bell, who has left the show.
On her last show, Martin said: “I’d like to thank Angelica for the series, you’ve been wonderful…”
Angellica then replied: “Can I just say thank you to you Martin because you do so much work, you’ve put so much time into this show.
“You’re absolutely brilliant and you help so many people.
“Thank you thank you thank you.”