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Podcast #68: Marilyn Okoro on retirement, role models and Black History Month

Olympic medallist Marilyn Okoro joins the England Athletics Podcast to discuss her transition from competitive athletics into a job in the corporate world, alongside her role as an England Athletics board member.

Marilyn Okoro

In this episode, published during Black History Month, she also discusses the importance of celebrating the success of black athletes - from Tessa Sanderson to Kelly Holmes - who marked the 40th and 20th anniversaries of their respective Olympic titles this year.

Okoro says that many of her athletic skills are transferable to her current job, while many of the causes that she spoke up for as a competitor - including athlete welfare and diversity - still need championing today. Okoro told host Alex Seftel:

"In my two decades as an athlete, I felt like running gave me purpose.



"It connected me with other people. I was really fascinated to try and achieve the unachievable. I have always had this thing for making sure justice prevails in the end. I believe in storytelling and sharing your story to empower others."

Okoro and Lorna Boothe gave out the Coach of the Year Award at the recent Sporting Equals Awards, which were also timed to combine with Black History Month.

England Athletics at the Sporting Equals Awards 2024

"I think [Sporting Equals] is a fantastic organisation. It is great to see how it has evolved over the years and really reflect the diversity of sport," she said.

"We are black every day, life is every day, but to have concentrated time where we raise awareness, is never any harm...as long as we raise awareness and keep the conversations going," she insisted.

Okoro also highlights the lack of research on black female athletes and picks out what she does and doesn't miss about being an international runner.

The episode can be listened to in full on Spotify, as well as Soundcloud and Apple Podcasts.

Top photo by Mark Shearman