I was fortunate to be out in Paris for three weeks across the Olympic Games, commentating on the swimming programme with Eurosport, then joining the Team GB stakeholder programme 🎙️🇬🇧✨

After a week or so back on home soil, it’s time to share a few reflections on an incredible Games…

Stories matter. The Games showcased awe-inspiring performances but also the personality, character and courage of athletes. I have so much admiration for those that delivered under pressure; even more so for those who stayed true to themselves along the way.

There are many ways to be a winner. People are still talking about Beth Shriever’s interview, Adam Peaty hugging his son, Rose Harvey pushing through with a stress fracture, Andy Murray playing his final match. Sport is measured by medals, and medals are important, but inspiration and impact transcend circles of metal.

Sport can be theatre. The energy at La Défense Arena was unprecedented for a swimming event. It felt like a football stadium – only better, with the crowd chanting “Léon! Léon! Léon!” in unison. After a quiet Tokyo, Paris has set a high bar for Olympic venues and atmosphere.

Sport can connect or divide. Crowds at the climbing venue were invested in all competitors, cheering every inch of progress. Breaking brought innovation and creativity, but also sparked fierce debate and targeted online abuse. As the Olympic programme evolves, we need to push to keep sport a positive and protected space.

The team behind the team. Coaches, physios, psychologists, doctors, mechanics – prepping athletes in minute detail for the start line. Family and friends, on the journey since day one, sacrificing their own dreams for ours. The extensive network of organisers, managers, logistics experts, security detail, comms teams, volunteers – going above and beyond to create and maintain a world class environment. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an army to turn that child into an Olympic athlete.

The ripples of impact. A heartfelt video played at Team GB’s homecoming featured the public thanking Emily Campbell for inspiring confidence, resilience, and self-love. At a time when mental health amongst young people is in free fall, sport offers more than physical health benefits—it teaches patience, teamwork, and self-belief. It gives real-time opportunity to play, challenge, and build a sense of who you are. It gives tangible, relatable role models. The panacea is sport, and we need it more than ever right now.

And finally, the tears. Tears for wins, losses, records, near misses, crashes, PBs, disqualifications. Tears during moments of elation and devastation. From men and women, young and old, from families, coaches, fans, and teammates. Vulnerability is in, and I’m here for it. Athletes are just human beings, after all, doing extraordinary things.

It’s a privilege to still be involved in this world and to have played a small role in helping shape the Team GB culture and athlete experience. Looking forward to tuning into the Paralympics next week, then bring on Milan Cortina 2026 and LA 2028!