This summer marks 40 years since Tessa Sanderson won gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. But her win didn't just see her take home a medal. The former javelin thrower also made history as the first Black British woman to win gold, and she remains the only British person to have come first in a throwing event at the Olympics. Ahead of this year's Games, woman&home caught up with Tessa, 68. Here, she looks back on her historic win, shares her advice for this year's hopefuls and introduces us to some of the incredible sportswomen to keep an eye on this year.
Hi Tessa, what was it like winning gold 40 years ago?
It was absolutely incredible, especially because I went there not being the favourite. It was a fantastic feeling of elation. It wasn't just joy for me but also for my family, my coach, and all the people that had the confidence in me going out there. The crowd was amazing, and to be the first person to win an Olympic gold medal for Great Britain in my event was just unbelievable. At the time I didn't really realise about the records or that it was going to be history in the making. But from the moment I got on the podium there was just a feeling of sheer bliss. It's so special winning a title in the greatest sporting show on Earth. Even now it's a marvellous feeling to think that, 40 years on, it's still history, and once you've won a gold medal, no one can ever take it, or the feeling, away.
You were the first Black British woman to win gold - that must have been an incredibly special moment.
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