Ashia Hansen

Ashia Hansen MBE is a former British triple jumper who has transitioned into a dedicated advocate and speaker on racial equality. Drawing from her personal experiences as a Black female athlete, she addresses topics such as overcoming adversity, the importance of diversity in sports, and strategies for promoting racial equality across various sectors. Her lived experiences have profoundly shaped her commitment to fostering inclusive environments.​

Born Indiana, USA, Ashia was adopted by a Ghanaian father and British mother. She spent her early years in Ghana before moving to East London at the age of eight. During her school years, she was often the only Black child and faced racial teasing and discrimination. These challenges ignited her passion for advocating racial equality. Ashia’s athletic talent emerged during her teenage years, leading her to join the Birchfield Harriers Athletics Club in Birmingham. She represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games: finishing fourth in the triple jump at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and eleventh at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. ​

Throughout her illustrious career, Ashia set 20 British records in the triple jump and, in 1998, broke the world indoor record with a leap of 15.16 metres – a mark that still stands as the British indoor record. She clinched gold medals at the World Indoor Championships in 1999 and 2003, the European Championships in 2002, and the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2002. In recognition of her contributions to athletics, she was appointed an MBE in 2003. ​

In her speaking engagements, Ashia delves deeper into her personal journey, shedding light on the challenges she faced as a Black female athlete and the resilience required to overcome them. She offers insightful discussions on the significance of representation, the impact of unconscious bias, and practical approaches to cultivating inclusive cultures within organisations. Her authentic narrative, combined with her professional expertise, makes her a sought-after speaker for events focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Organisations seeking to inspire and educate their audiences on the nuances of racial equality will find Ashia’s perspectives both enlightening and transformative.