Fatima Whitbread: from abandoned baby to world champion

Fatima Whitbread grew up in a UK children’s home. She found both a mother and a coach in one person – going on to break the javelin world record and become an Olympic medallist. Fatima spent her first 14 years in a series of institutions after being abandoned as a baby. She longed for stability and love, and found both in an unexpected place – on the sports field. Coach Margaret Whitbread spotted her talent early, and when she discovered that the young Fatima was growing up without a family, invited her to spend some time with her own. Holiday visits soon turned into an offer of a permanent home with the Whitbreads, and Fatima was eventually formally adopted by them. Margaret became both her mother and her coach.

Fatima had once written to Margaret that her dream was to be ‘the best javelin thrower in the world.’ Years later, she made that a reality with a record-breaking throw at the 1986 European Athletics Championships, followed by gold at the World Championships. She is also a two-time Olympic medallist.

Today, Fatima Whitbread is using her own experiences to campaign for children in care through her charity, Fatima’s UK Campaign.

Please be aware, this episode contains references to child sexual abuse.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar Producers: June Christie & Louise Morris

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