Hope alumna Jenny Meadows is a renowned track athlete and World and European medallist in the 400m and 800m. Although she retired from the sport in 2016, her career is still going from strength the strength as she adds coaching and commentary to her list of successful endeavours.
So successful in fact that Jenny, along with husband and fellow coach, Trevor Painter, were recognised at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in the ‘coach of the year’ category after they guided local North West athlete Keely Hodgkinson to the Olympic Gold in Paris 2024.
The duo also worked alongside Team GB athletes Georgia Bell and Lewis Davey who both secured a Bronze medal in 1500m and 4x400m relay respectively.
The former Liverpool Hope student shares more about how her time at the University helped to shape her, both professionally and personally.
Jenny said: “Having the acknowledgement from BBC Sports Personality of the Year was a bit surreal for me. It’s something that I have watched since being a child and so to be handed that instantly recognisable award in the shape of the BBC camera really was something else. I am so proud to have two iconic trophies in the cabinet at home; the Diamond League trophy from 2011 and now this.
“I never really set out to coach – as an athlete you have to be very self-focussed and because coaching requires a very particular skillset, the best athletes don’t always make the best coaches. My first venture outside of competing was actually in broadcasting and commentary where I was fortunate to get some brilliant opportunities including commentating on three world championships. It just so happened that Keely’s mum had followed my career and so reached out to set up an introduction and the rest is history.
“It’s also hugely important to me to champion women in sport, and I have always taken on a mentoring role with other athletes before becoming a coach. Female athletes are finally starting to be recognised and are achieving equal pay for the first time but there’s still more to be done. There are many highs to an athletic career, but it doesn’t come without challenges and set backs and as a coach its important to be able to manage that on and off the track.
“I started running at just eight years old but I was always very shy growing up. I chose to study sport and physical education with english at Liverpool Hope and my time there really brought me out of my shell. Although I was competing at the time, I knew it was important to get that education and give myself options in my career choices. I really contemplated where to study and was even offered a sports scholarship to study in the states at a world-famous institution. However, I was drawn to Liverpool and had family in the city. I got a great feel about Hope and I instinctively knew it was the right place for me. It allowed me to study in the day and because I lived just a short commute from campus, I could go home and train in the evenings.
“I never wanted to draw attention to the fact that I was competing while I was a student, and the lecturers that I had were incredibly supportive and respectful of that, but were always there when I needed them. I had to arrange some time off to compete in Chile in the World Championships and had all the support and backing I needed from Hope.
“For any student aspiring to take up sports as a career my advice would be to ask for support and help. It can be difficult but you don’t have to go through the journey alone. In sports, and in life generally, everyone’s journeys are unique so it’s important not to compare your path with others.
“If I could send a message to my lecturers at Hope, I would say thank you for understanding me and I hope you have followed my career through all of the ups and downs. I am so thankful to have global medals and such unique experiences, but I have also struggled with injuries.
“When I started at Hope I was young and quite reserved, and I looked up to my lecturers. They helped me to become more confident and to find my voice which has helped me in my career. I have so many more exciting things planned for this year including more pundit work, and I hope that they can see me now.”
Image credit: Wigan Today