Jonathan Edwards (British triple jumper and athletics commentator)

British former triple jumper, 2000 Olympic champion and long-standing world record-holder (1995). Later a BBC commentator and presenter, member of the London 2012 committee and President of the Wenlock Olympian Society.

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 14, 2022 Last updated: May 24, 2026

Jonathan Edwards (born 10 May 1966 in London) is a former British triple jumper widely regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats. Competing internationally in the 1990s and around 2000, he set the outdoor world record in 1995 and went on to win major titles including Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth golds. His record jump of 18.29 m (set in 1995) remains one of the most notable performances in athletics.

Athletic career and achievements

Edwards combined speed, strength and a technically refined hop-step-jump sequence to achieve exceptional distances. He rose through national and international competitions to reach the top tier of the event and captured major championship medals for Great Britain. Highlights often cited include his world record performances and his Olympic triumph, which established him as a dominant figure in the triple jump.

Honours and public roles

For his services to athletics Edwards was recognised with national honours and later took on a range of public roles. He holds the title of CBE and has been active beyond competition, serving in organisational and representational positions. Notably he was involved with the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and has served as President of the Wenlock Olympian Society.

Broadcasting and personal life

After retiring from competition Edwards pursued a broadcasting career, working as an athletics commentator and presenter for the BBC. He also presented episodes of the religious programme Songs of Praise during a period when he was publicly open about his Christian faith. In 2007 he announced a change in his personal beliefs and stepped away from that role.

Legacy and significance

Edwards's world record, first set in the mid-1990s, has stood for decades and is regularly cited when discussing the evolution of horizontal jumps. His combination of technical knowledge, competitive success and later public engagement — including roles with national sporting bodies and media — have kept him prominent in British athletics. For more information on the event he specialised in see triple jump, and for career summaries and records consult dedicated athletics sources: career records and broadcasting profiles at official biographies.

Born: 10 May 1966, London
Specialty: Triple jump
Notable roles: Olympic champion, world record-holder, BBC commentator, LOCOG member

Questions and Answers

Q: Who is Jonathan Edwards?

A: Jonathan Edwards is a former British triple jumper who was born on May 10, 1966, in London.

Q: What are some of Jonathan Edwards' athletic achievements?

A: Jonathan Edwards is a former Olympic, Commonwealth, European, and World champion in triple jumping. He has also held the world record in the event since 1995.

Q: What did Jonathan Edwards do after retiring as an athlete?

A: After retiring as an athlete, Jonathan Edwards worked as an athletics commentator and presenter for BBC television.

Q: What role did religion play in Jonathan Edwards' life?

A: Jonathan Edwards was a devout Christian who presented episodes of the BBC Christian worship programme Songs of Praise.

Q: When did Jonathan Edwards lose faith?

A: Jonathan Edwards lost faith in 2007.

Q: Was Jonathan Edwards involved in the organization of the 2012 Olympic Games?

A: Yes, Jonathan Edwards was a member of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games in 2012.

Q: What position does Jonathan Edwards hold in the Wenlock Olympian Society?

A: Jonathan Edwards is the President of the Wenlock Olympian Society.