UK Athletics: 60 Seconds With… Cherry Alexander OBE

Black History Month – 1-31 October 2019

What is your role with British Athletics?

My role in Athletics is managing one of the best teams in the world who deliver world class events! I have been in the sport for 40 years with almost 30 of those years at British Athletics. In addition, I am now Vice President of European Athletics and have recently started to Chair the EA Events and Competition Commission. I also dive bomb into other project groups usually on Events and Competition to help with progression.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a very personal reflective time. My husband and I often have discussions about black people whonachieved outstanding endeavours and were never celebrated or  acknowledged in years gone by. To reflect, highlight and celebrate now is long overdue and really is the way it should always have been.

What black individual do you most admire in history?

As a young person I was very much aware of the story of RosanParks and the Montgomery bus boycott. I can remember to this day thinking I never want to be like the person who demanded

Rosa give up her seat on public transport. I have reflected on that story many times during my life. One of the messages it gives us is that we are all equal, treat people how you would like to be treated, the world would most certainly be a better place.

What is a fact about you most people would not know?

I once had a date with a legendary rock star, it’s true!