Jonathan Edwards - Olympic Triple-jumper

He won the Commonwealth Games silver medal in 1990 and 1994, and in 1992 took the World Cup Triple Jump, when he went to Barcelona for the Olympics. He took World Champion Bronze in 1993. Barcelona was a disappointment.

“It was probably the worst period of my life athletically. All my hopes and dreams had been blown out of the water.”

However, as a Christian he learnt from the experience, and had to question his feelings: “Am I really going to go for it 100%, come what may, win or lose? Is God first? Am I going to glorify Him and give my best to Him, regardless of results?”

Jonathan returned from the ’96 Atlanta Olympics with a silver medal.

He lost his world title to a Cuban competitor at the August 97 games in Athens. He was disappointed not to hit gold, but was still delighted to have come away with a silver medal. Britain won no gold medals at all, claiming five silver and one bronze.

The European Championships at Budapest in August 98 were a triumph. Jonathan effectively won in the first found with a championship record of 17.84 metres. But with his last jump late in the afternoon came another record - 17.99 metres.

Jonathan was delighted for the British team. Never before had Britain managed nine golds and topped the table at the same time. He said,

“It is almost like a dream. You could not have written it. It has put us at the top of the pole in terms of sport in Great Britain.”

Jonathan, how did you get into sport?

My dad was a keen sportsman and he encouraged us to participate.

And triple-jumping?

At school.

Are you married?

Yes, to Alison. We have two boys, Samuel and Nathan.

Can you explain your amazing year in 1995?

Not really. I was running faster, I was stronger, I improved my technique but it did not add up to what happened. It was still a big surprise to me.

How did you become a Christian?

My parents are both Christians. I remember praying to accept Jesus into my heart when I was six.

First work experience?

Holiday job working in a bakery.

What else have you done?

Worked as a scientist in a lab and also in an electronics factory.

Favourite book?

The Bible

Favourite Film?

Star Wars

What’s your most cherished memory?

The birth of my two boys.

How do you keep things in balance?

My relationship with Jesus and with God is fundamental to everything I do. I have made a commitment and dedication in that relationship to serve God in every area of my life including Triple Jump.




Message from Jonathan

“Hello, hope you are enjoying the SOON web-site. I still find it mind-boggling that so much information about all sorts of things, including me(!), is available at the push of a button.

The most important information though, is the gospel of Jesus Christ and my hope is that as you read these pages, you will understand how to have a relationship with God.

Many exciting things have happened to me in my life, but the most crucial is that my sins have been forgiven and I know God.”

Update

Having retired from International Athletics in 2002, Jonathan Edwards is now a regular presenter of Songs of Praise.
As a younger face himself, he is clearly a good candidate to attract younger audiences.

In 1991 he did not compete in the world championships because he refused to compete on Sundays. Thus his faith became well known even before he shot to fame as a triple jumper. In 1993 however, he believed that God had told him in a dream that he was to use his ability to its full potential. During those championships he took part in the qualifying round on a Sunday and subsequently took the bronze medal. He does not want to be treated as a Christian ornament but says " I want to do something real as a real person. "

He is also among a number of stars to join the BBC athletics commentating team in the build-up to the Athens Olympics.

Prior to retirement in 2002 Jonathan confessed that it was increasingly difficult to motivate himself for competitive events. He needs the pressure of younger Swede challenger, Christian Olsson.

Olsson beat him in July 2002 at Monte Carlo and Edwards did not even bother to attend his last two jumps. He said: " I need a rest. I've been seeing too much CNN " - referring to the American News channel which is often the the only English- language news channel available in Continental hotel rooms.

The high-light of his athletic career was probably at the World Championships at Gothenburg in 1995 where he set the world record at an impressive 18.29 metres, a record which stands to this day.

His friends say that increasingly he objects to being parted from his wife and two sons at home in Gosforth, Tyneside.