UK Athletics is today bidding a fond farewell to Cherry Alexander OBE who is leaving the organisation following a 29 year stint at the National Governing Body.

Alexander, who began her career as personal assistant to Andy Norman before moving onto external affairs, International relations, and eventually UKA’s Major Event Director was also instrumental in the successful delivery of the London 2017 World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships.

In a governing body career that included 22 global events, dozens of grands prix and 60 national championships, her roll of honour includes the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the year Unsung Hero Award, MBE and OBE as part of the 2012 and 2019 new years honours and Queens birthday lists, the IAAF Woman of the Year 2017 and being elected European Athletics vice president in 2019.

As demonstrated by the tributes below, Cherry’s achievements in the sport are recognised throughout:

Seb Coe:

“Little of any substance in the last decade or so of British Athletics has taken place without the hidden hand of Cherry Alexander. She not only understands the sport, she is passionate about it.”

Brendan Foster: 

“She is… athletics through and through. Like an elite athlete she has world class standards, yet it is her ability to deal day to day with the grassroots of the sport, that mean she is a valuable friend to the entire sport of athletics.”

David Moorcroft: 

“A truly exceptional women and these few words cannot do justice to the outstanding contribution she has made to athletics and people’s lives over many years…she is the most widely respected and admired person.”

UK Athletics CEO Joanna Coates said:

“It’s been great to have had the benefit of Cherry’s experience in my time here at UK Athletics. The passion for athletics she has demonstrated can be seen throughout the sport and in her achievements.

“We’re looking forward to seeing her again, albeit not in working mode, but as our very special guest at future events and everyone at UK Athletics wishes her the very best for her new pursuits.”

Thank-you Cherry for all you have achieved on behalf of athletics in the UK and the very best for your next adventure.