PARALYMPIC AND world champion Kadeena Cox is the latest addition to the british athletics equality, diversity and inclusion advocates group following the recent appointment of Imani-Lara Lansiquot as the first athlete lead.

She was the first British athlete since 1984 to win Paralympic gold medals in two sports – athletics and cycling – at the same games back in 2016, and she joins the advocates group at a crucial time.

The advocates group was established back in 2018 and works to support the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 through a variety of activities both internally and externally. These are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, maternity and pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Expert

Kadeena will offer expert insight and advice from an athlete perspective in her role as athlete lead alongside Lansiquot, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the group.

We have made a lot of progress in recent times in this space, but we know there is a lot more to do.

Donna Fraser, equality, diversity and engagement lead at British Athletics,

Kadeena, the Paralympic T38 400m champion and world silver medallist from 2019, said: “I’m super excited to be part of the ED&I team. I’m very passionate about being the voice and making changes for those of us in underrepresented groups.

“I’m in a unique position where I am a female, black, disabled Christian who also is on the programme of a team less diverse than athletics, so think I can have a great input to the group.”

Welcome

Equality, diversity and engagement lead at British Athletics, Donna Fraser, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kadeena to the equality, diversity and inclusion advocates group.

“She reached out to offer her support and I’m pleased she is joining a group of individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

“We have made a lot of progress in recent times in this space, but we know there is a lot more to do.

“Having Kadeena on board is a huge asset to the group as she brings with her great expertise and knowledge, so i look forward to working with both her and imani as our athlete leads moving forward.”