Olympic golden girl Tessa: I am constantly asked why have I not been made a Dame
AS THE ONLY British athlete to have ever won Olympic gold in a throwing event Tessa Sanderson CBE can truly claim to be a sporting legend.
Her achievements rank alongside those of Kelly Holmes and Jessica Ennis-hill. But there’s one thing they have she doesn’t – a damehood.
Tessa, 68, scooped a gold medal in the javelin in the 1984 Los Angeles Games – a feat that has never been matched by any woman, or man, in shot put, discus or hammer. She also won three golds for England in the Commonwealth Games.
And despite still being dearly loved by the public, she reckons: “I deserve more acclaim.”
Asked about joining Dame Kelly and Dame Jessica, Tessa admits she would love to join the top honours club.
She said: “Many people have approached me and queried why it hasn’t happened. I have wanted to be a Dame. It would be a lovely honour and the icing on the cake.
“I would be equally elated for my mum who is now 89 and for my twins who are now aged 11 and it would be a newsy way of showing how their mum is admired.”
In July, Tessa will get recognition in the form of
By
House of Lords reception organised by the Variety Club which she says “will be a very special occasion”.
She also holds the record for a British athlete competing in six Olympics and will be in Paris on August 6 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her gold. She has also been invited to meet and greet in the British contingent’s Team House.
However, the way she has been overlooked for a formal coaching role angers many.
But Tessa, who is married to former judo Olympian Densign White, remains in demand.
She said up-and-coming athletes still seek her advice.
“I was stopped by one of our best throwers, Sarah De Kramer, while I was in Stratford Shopping Centre,” Tessa said. “She came to me asking for help. But I’m still waiting to hear from Team GB. I’d love to get a group of young women javelin throwers together.”
And last June she was at Buckingham Palace to join the Queen at a reception to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush.