GYMNASTIC CHAMPION

Inspired by the great Russian Gymnast, Olga Korbut, Soozie had won her first British title by the age of 13. In 1977 she was awarded a Sir Winston Churchill fellowship Award that allowed her to travel to the United States and train with their National Squad. In early 1979, she was offered a Sports Scholarship at Fullerton State University, but missing her family she chose to return home and continue her training in Great Britain.

At the 1979 British Championships, one mistake on the balance beam cost her 1st place. It was the start of a troubled year as she was also suffering the early stages of Aneorexia. Barely 6 stone and lacking strength, she was sent home to recuperate. It was a simple phone call from a gymnastics colleague to say how sorry they were to hear of her early retirement, that was the turning point for Soozie. With the help and support from family and coaches, and a determination not to be beaten, she recovered by the autumn and went on to captain the British Team at the World Championships in Dallas, Texas.

Soozie succeeded in taking the Overall British Title in 1980 and proudly went on to captain the British Team at the Moscow Olympics later that year.

BROADCASTING

Retiring after the Olympics, Soozie went on to become the BBC’s Ladies Superstars Champion and began a career in the media and television. Her broadcasting career started with the BBC, presenting the children’s programme ‘Stopwatch’ alongside Peter Purves, Daley Thompson and Janice Long. Over the years, Suzanne has presented on a variety of television programmes on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky Sports ranging from The Arts, Animals, Health, Light Entertainment and Sports.

Soozie’s skills and experience are vast; from being a Sports Coordinator and a Bond Girl in 007’s Octopussy to presenting corporate videos and radio campaigns for companies including Spatone and the ITV video collection. She was pitch side presenter for the English Cricket Board on all of England’s one day Internationals and 20/20 matches for 7 years on behalf of sponsors Nat West. She currently co-presents the Live Equestrian coverage for Sky Sports.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Health and Fitness have played a major role in Soozie’s life and have allowed her to take on many active challenges as a presenter. From her knowledge of Aneorexia as a young gymnast to the importance of healthy living over 50, fitness has shaped Soozie’s life and fuels the passion to use her experience to support others.


SUZANNEDANDO