UKA Celebrates the 78th Anniversary of the Arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks

Today, on Windrush Day, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Windrush Generation and their descendants, whose contributions have enriched athletics and communities across the UK.

Athletics is one of the most diverse sports in the UK, bringing together athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and staff from a wide range of backgrounds and communities. The achievements of British athletes have been strengthened by generations of people whose roots can be traced to the Caribbean and beyond, reflecting the rich cultural diversity that exists across our sport today, including champions such as Linford Christie, Denise Lewis, Daley Thompson and Colin Jackson.

UK Athletics joins communities across the country in honouring the Windrush Generation and recognising the lasting impact they have made on athletics and British society.

As we celebrate Windrush Day, we have asked staff members to reflect on this important legacy, reaffirming our commitment to ensuring athletics remains a welcoming, diverse and inclusive sport for all. We are proud of the diversity that strengthens our community and enables our sport to flourish.

Paula Dunn – Olympic and Paralympic Performance Director

“As a Black Briton, Windrush is a powerful reminder that, despite negative commentary at times, I am an integral part of Britain’s story, culture and identity, and I do belong here.

Windrush reminds me that my roots are strong, my family’s contributions are invaluable and cannot be erased, and that I stand on the shoulders of a generation whose courage, sacrifice and resilience created opportunities for me to flourish.

I will never forget that. I am who I am because of them!”

Ralph Knibbs – Head of HR

“My parents were part of the Windrush Generation, who were invited to England to help rebuild the nation after WWII, undertaking roles such as a fitter’s mate in the railway industry and as a care assistant in the NHS.

As a child, I was amazed by the strength they demonstrated in the face of racism and hardship. Their resilience, support and love provided me with the ambition to obtain a degree and embark on a successful career. I will be eternally grateful to my parents for being part of the Windrush Generation, because they had the courage to start a new life for our family in England.”

Darren Campbell – Head of Sprints, Hurdles & Relays

“My grandad came here first, alone, from Jamaica, and then slowly brought my nan, mum and aunties across once he had built a home. My mum arrived in the UK when she was eight years old. The sacrifices and hard work made by my grandfather fuelled the person I have become and showed me that anything in life is possible.

Lorna Dwyer – Olympic Senior Athlete Support Co-ordinator & Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead

“Windrush is important to me because it is part of my family’s story. My grandparents came to the UK as part of the Windrush Generation, showing courage, resilience and determination to build a better future. As a parent today, their journey reminds me of the importance of hard work, perseverance and pride in my heritage. I want my child to understand where she comes from and appreciate the contributions that the Windrush Generation made to British society. Their legacy inspires me to teach her about identity, equality and the value of community.”

Sharon Morris – Olympic Senior Athlete Pathway Coordinator

“Windrush is an important part of history—my history. Our parents worked hard to create a future for us that would not have been possible without the opportunity they were given. They didn’t hesitate; they came to Britain and worked to support families abroad while helping to rebuild the nation. This was not an easy task, given the discrimination they endured. We should be eternally grateful.”

Coral Davis – Paralympic Pathway Manager for Futures Academy and Confirmation

“My mother was part of the Windrush Generation. She arrived in London with hope in her heart, carrying only a few belongings but a wealth of determination.

She worked hard in jobs that kept the country moving—London Transport, nursing, and the postal service. She faced challenges, prejudice and loneliness, yet she stood tall, holding on to her dignity and culture, which she has passed on to me. She taught me the value of resilience, respect and community.”

Joel Fearon – Sprint & Relay Coach

“My grandfather was a banker in Jamaica, but when he arrived in the UK, he worked long hours in a factory. He made that sacrifice so my mum could have the best possible start in life. That perspective humbles me.

Whenever I find times hard, I think about what that generation endured for me. Their sacrifices created opportunities that I now benefit from, and I feel a responsibility to honour that legacy. The race they started didn’t finish with them, and it doesn’t finish with me.

That, to me, is the true legacy of the Windrush Generation: courage, sacrifice, resilience and an unwavering belief that the next generation can have a better life.”