Olympian, Winter Olympian, Junior World, Commonwealth, and European long jump medallist, and sports presenter
Image courtesy of Mark Shearman
Jazmin Sawyers has won numerous World, Commonwealth and European medals at Youth, U23 and Senior level. Sawyers started out in combined events, coming second in the U15 Pentathlon at English Schools in 2007, winning the event in 2008 and winning U17 Heptathlon at the ESAA Championship in 2009 before switching to focus on long jump.
Sawyers won long jump gold and 4 x 100m relay gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2011, took bronze at the World Junior Championships and silver at European Junior Championships in 2012, before taking a Commonwealth Silver at Glasgow 2014 with a jump of 6.54cm, just 2cm behind the winner. Sawyers has medalled two at European Championships, silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022, and in 2023 won European Indoor gold.
In addition to athletics, Sawyers and team-mate Mica McNeill won silver at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics in bobsleigh, Team GB’s first ever medal winning team at the event. Sawyers was a torch carrier at the London 2012 Olympic Games, has appeared as a contestant on The Voice, and is a sports presenter.
The effects of her personal motto, ‘you can do more than you think’ shines through in her many achievements across disciplines.
Jazmin’s memories of English Schools’ Championships
English Schools was where it all started for me. The feeling of being part of a team and doing my favourite thing with the best athletes from all around the country was something so special, and kickstarted my love for this sport. Picking up my first county kit is something that will stick with me forever; even if you moan about the colours, wear it with pride! My advice is to have as much fun as you can. I still say that almost no competitions as a senior elite athlete top the feeling of English Schools’ so soak up the moment while you’re in it – you’re a part of something special!
Image courtesy of Mark Shearman.
For more information about the England Athletics Talent Pathways, including Youth and Paralympic pathways, and for information about the Amateur Athletic Association Charity for the Young funding opportunities, use the links below