Geddington & Newton WI were delighted to welcome Anita Neil and her sister to our September meeting.
It is always a priviledge to meet someone who has outstanding talent, in this instance in athletics and hearing her story commanded huge respect from her audience.
Anita acknowledged openly that her background was not one of priviledge, rather the opposite, but it was clear from quite a young age that she was talented in athletics well beyond her peer group. The support from her family and in particular from a teacher from the local school who became her coach, helped to motivate her to many successes. Anita brought with her medals from regional, european and international athletic meetings and enjoyed showing us the different outfits she wore to represent her country.
In the 1960s there was not the training and support structure that athletes enjoy today. There was no sponsorship, no nutrition advice, no understanding of the psychological strain or mental health needs of successful athletes. Following her Olympic success in 1968 it became impossible for Anita to continue her dream – the practicalities of everyday life and earning a living took over. She was just 23 and had competed in 2 Olympics.
However, some years ago Wellingborough town council were made aware of her story and the fact that Anita was in fact the first black female athlete to bring home an Olympic medal for Britain and she was invited as guest of honour to the opening of Wellingborough’s Olympic Games exhibition. More recognition followed and in 2024 at the age of 74 she was awarded an MBE for services to athletics.
It was lovely to discover that Anita’s coach was known to some of our members from their schooldays and that he was remembered with great affection by them too.
Members were invited to take part in their own Olympic challenge during the evening and Anita handed out medals to the 3 winners, one of whom was her sister!
A great evening enjoyed by everyone.
Geddington & Newton WI meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome.
In October Caroline Lee will be talking to us about her work with Hedgehog Rescue.
