Katharine Merry DL.

Katharine Merry's life has been intrinsically linked to Athletics and Sport for over 35 years and since her retirement from Track & Field in 2005 the Olympic medallist has worked within the Event, Sport and Media industry at the same level that she enjoyed in her competitive career, including becoming the first ever female stadium commentator at both an Olympic Games and World Championships in athletics as well as regularly becoming the ‘first female’ lead commentator to break glass ceilings on radio and television. Katharine is a hugely popular event host and broadcaster, who is able to absorb a brief and use her years of experience and knowledge to deliver on message, informative and entertaining commentary and interaction with the audience.  Her unflappable nature and attention to detail, means that she can adapt to any situation and brings the best out of people she interviews.

Katharine has the versatility of being an established broadcaster, commentator and host around the World. Whether infield, live television presenting or behind the microphone being a lead commentator in stadium or on television. She excels in her sport of Track and Field as well as Football, Netball, Triathlon and Volleyball!  Her sporting knowledge helps her hold her own as a regular guest on BBC Radio 5 Live's "Fighting Talk" panel show and on a variety of established television and radio programmes.

Katharine is married and lives with her husband (a fellow Aston Villa fan!) and their two children in Birmingham. She was honoured to be made a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands in 2021 and is a passionate Aston Villa Foundation Ambassador.