Academy Ambassadors
Jessica Ennis
Jessica Ennis
World Champion
- Born: 28th January 1986, Sheffield
- Coach: Toni Miniciello
- Club: City of Sheffield
- Event: Heptathlon
Jessica was born in Sheffield and as a 10yr old took part in the Aviva Startrack at Don Valley. Her first season as a senior athlete in 2006 proved her form as she achieved a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne…her first major championships.
In May 2007 Jessica equaled the 25 year old British High Jump record for women by jumping 1.95m as well as earning a UKA Indoor 100m hurdles Gold. Later that year she excelled in her first World Championships finishing 4th just behind Kelly Sotherton.
Early 2008 saw a UKA Indoor High Jump title for Jessica. But then heartbreak ensued in the run up to the Olympics, as Jessica’s dreams were shattered having suffered a stress fracture injury which ruled her out of the Beijing Games.
Jessica became a household name in 2009 after winning the heptathlon gold at the World Championships in Berlin and has since become the World Indoor Pentathlon Champion 2010.
Her target in 2010 is the European Championships and she’ll take the opportunity to focus in on one or two of her better events competing at major meetings, across the UK and Europe.
Already in 2010 Jess has come very close to Denise Lewis’ UK record – watch out in Barcelona!
Phillips Idowu
Phillips Idowu
World Champion
- Born: 30th December 1978, Hackney
- Coach: Aston Moore
- Club: Belgrave Harriers
- Event: Triple Jump
Phillips was introduced to athletics by his PE teachers who spotted his talent for jumping, as a talented all-round sportsman he excelled at basketball and American Football at school but was most successful in athletics. In 1997 Phillips came to attention as a triple jumper when he won the English Schools Championships and the under-20 national title, and by coming fourth in the European Junior Championships at the end of the year.
Ranked in the top 10 triple jumpers in the world in 2000 and placed sixth in the 2000 Olympic Games, Phillips then continued his success in 2001 winning the European Cup. His first major international medal came when he won silver at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, setting a new personal best of 17.68m. Later in 2002 he was placed 5th in the European Championships.
In March 2006, Idowu triumphed at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, winning gold and in 2007 beat compatriot Nathan Douglas to gold in the European Indoor Championships. Phillips went on to win the IAAF Golden League Bislett Games in June 2007 with a distance of 17.35m and by July 2007 he was ranked the number three triple jumper in the world.
2008, saw Phillips win his first world title, taking the gold medal at the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Spain. His jump of 17.75m also broke the British and Commonwealth Indoor record previously held by Jonathan Edwards.
Idowu took silver in the men's triple jump at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and whilst disappointed with the result, Phillips took this in good faith commenting on looking forward to London 2012. In August 2009 Phillips fulfilled his potential by winning Gold at the World Championships in Berlin.
Philips’ trademark is his hair – constantly changing but bringing his own flair to the competition arena. Keep your eyes on the Academy pages to keep track of both his performances and the latest style!
Christine Ohuruogu
Christine Ohuruogu
Olympic Gold Medallist
- Born: 17 May 1984, Newham
- Coach: Lloyd Cowan
- Club: Newham & Essex Beagles
- Event: 400m
Christine was born in Newham, East London close to the site of the London 2012 stadium. She began her sporting career at St. Edwards C of E Secondary School in Romford, Essex and became a multi-talented pupil. She achieved national honours in netball, playing at England Under 17 level and Under 19 level, before concentrating on athletics.
After deciding to run the 800m race at school sports day and winning, she was encouraged to join Newham & Essex Beagles AC by her PE teacher and a few years later took Bronze in the 400m at the European Junior Championships, her first major championships. A year later she made her Olympic debut in Athens and reached the semi final of the 400m, just missing out on a place in the final.
In 2006, Christine became Commonwealth Games Champion in Melbourne, Australia, she followed this with Gold at the World Championships in 2007 and Olympic Gold in Beijing in 2008. She is the only athlete to currently hold the Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games titles.
Christine studied Linguistics at University College London and is one of eight children. She launched the Aviva UKA Academy at her old school St. Edward’s C of E Secondary School in Essex on 3 June 2009. She is keen to inspire young people to take up athletics in her role as Ambassador and ensure there is lasting legacy from the London 2012 Games in her home city.
David Weir
David Weir
Double Paralympic Champion
- Born: 5th June 1979 Carshalton, Surrey
- Coach: Jenny Archer
- Club: Unattached
- Event: T54 Wheel racer
Dave was introduced to wheelchair racing at his primary school Bedelsford School in Kingston. His teacher got an application form for the London Mini Marathon and asked Dave whether he would like to race, so he first represented his school at the age of 8 in the London Mini Marathon and never looked back!
He made his Paralympic debut at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games at the age of 17, but then had a few years out of the sport, missing the Sydney Paralympic Games. He met up again with his coach Jenny Archer a couple of years later and set his sights on becoming the best Wheelchair racer in the world.
His record now includes three London marathon victories in a row and four titles in total. He took Bronze and Silver at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, then stormed to double Gold in the 800m and 1500m in Beijing 2008, plus Bronze and Silver in the 5,000m and 400m. His training is now geared towards more success at the London 2012 Games in his home city.
He is a big fan of Arsenal FC and is fully behind the development of Aviva Parallel Success in additional to his wider role as Ambassador of the UKA Academy encouraging young people to pursue their dreams in the sport.
