We are delighted that Olympian, Marilyn Okoro, has joined our BRIT Ambassador family to support young adult mental health and fitness in the UK.
Marilyn graduated from the University of Bath in 2007 and then started her first season as a full-time track and field athlete.
She finished third in the 800 metres at both the 2007 and 2008 IAAF World Athletics Final and was on the bronze medal winning 4 x 400 m relay team at the 2007 World Championships. Marilyn represented Great Britain at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and was on the bronze medal winning 4 x 400 m relay team.
In 2009, Marilyn suffered an injury that plagued her outdoor season, however still managed to be included in the squad for the World Championships in Berlin. In 2010, Marilyn took bronze in the 800 m at the UK Championships and was part of the bronze medal winning 4 x 400 m team at the 2010 European Championships.
“As a former university student, I understand the mental health challenges and pressures that young adults face. The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly impacting on all our lives and if there was ever a time to support and improve young adult mental health and fitness it is now.
I am both excited and delighted to be joining the BRIT Ambassador family. British Sporting Icons (Olympians, Paralympians, sports personalities, adventurers and explorers) are being invited to join BRIT as Ambassadors, support a university or college of their choice, and encourage students and staff to register teams and take on the BRIT 2021 Challenge.
The BRIT 2021 Challenge is inclusive so students and staff can participate in many different ways, both on campus or at home. With COVID-19 restrictions, BRIT Ambassadors cannot visit campuses and are therefore being asked to provide supportive video and social media messages to encourage UK-wide participation. I know that my fellow current and retired Olympians and Paralympians will appreciate the importance of young adult mental health and embrace this call to action for their support.
I look forward to supporting the University of Bath with their BRIT 2021 Challenge and encouraging the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) network to champion the challenge at every UK university and college.
Marilyn Okoro
Olympic, World and European Medallist
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