Who Is Fatima Whitbread? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on March 3, 1961, Fatima Whitbread is a celebrated British javelin thrower who has made her mark in the world of athletics. With a remarkable career in the 1980s and 1990s, she won multiple championships, including an Olympic bronze medal in 1984 and a gold medal in the World Championships in 1987. Her tenacity and groundbreaking records in javelin throw have earned her a lasting place in sports history. As of 2025, she is 64 years old and remains an influential figure in athletics.
| Occupation | Javelin Thrower |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1961 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | London, England |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Fatima Whitbread's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Fatima stands tall at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and has maintained a competitive physique throughout her life. Her weight is consistently around 150 lbs (68 kg), reflective of her dedication to fitness and training. While additional measurements such as dress size or shoe size are not widely publicized, it's clear that her athletic background demands a strict regimen and strong physical condition.
After a difficult early childhood, Fatima Vedad was adopted by the family of Margaret Whitbread, a javelin coach. Whitbread won the 1977 English Schools' Athletics Championships intermediate title, and was selected for the 1978 Commonwealth Games, where she finished sixth.
The following year, she took gold at the 1979 European Athletics Junior Championships. During her career, she had a well-publicised rivalry with another British javelin athlete, Tessa Sanderson. Whitbread's later career was affected by a long-term shoulder injury, which she believed dated back to her world record throw in 1986.
The 1990 UK Athletics Championships was the last event in which she participated, sustaining a further shoulder injury there. In 1992 she formally retired from competition.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Fatima Whitbread's personal life has garnered public interest over the years. She once had a public relationship, but as of 2025, she is currently reported to be single. Her past relationships have included both romantic and platonic connections within the sports community. Although details about her family are slightly private, she occasionally shares insights about her upbringing and the influence of family on her career.
She said "I was abandoned as a baby and left to die in our flat." After being rescued, severely malnourished, "I spent the next 14 years living in institutions, among other traumatised children", occasionally being left in the care of her abusive biological mother.
In a 2003 interview with The Observer, she said, "it was a nightmare of a childhood and it was only because I loved sport so much that I got through it and met my true [adoptive] mother."
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Fatima Whitbread’s estimated net worth ranges around $2 million. Throughout her career, she earned substantial income through competitions, endorsements, and public appearances. Additionally, her post-retirement ventures, including coaching and motivational speaking, contribute to her overall wealth. Detailed earnings fluctuate based on various engagements, but her legacy in athletics continues to be a strong source of income.
Career, Business and Investments
Whitbread's career is not just limited to being an athlete; she has successfully transitioned into roles such as a coach, mentor, and television personality. She has been involved in various sports programs and initiatives aimed at encouraging youth participation in athletics. In terms of business, Fatima has ventured into health and fitness, promoting well-being through various collaborations and endorsements. In 2025, her investments are focused on athletic enterprises and philanthropic efforts supporting sports inclusivity.
Having finished behind fellow British competitor Tessa Sanderson in a run of 18 competitions, Whitbread finally defeated her rival with a throw of to win the UK Athletics Championship in 1983, Whitbread won the silver medal at the inaugural World Championships in 1983, having narrowly qualified for the final.
She led throughout the final until Tiina Lillak bettered her mark with her last throw of the contest. A few days before the 1984 Summer Olympics, Whitbread had a stomach operation but was still able to travel to the Games and compete. She finished in the bronze medal position, with, and Sanderson won gold.
Lillak, who had a stress fracture in her right foot, won the silver medal. After the result, Whitbread commented that "I am so disappointed... I was not right on the night."
Social Network
Fatima Whitbread actively engages with her fan base via social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. She uses these channels not only to share her own workout routines and personal insights but also to inspire aspiring athletes. With thousands of followers across these platforms, Fatima's influence in the realm of sports continues to thrive, making her a relatable figure for both fans and young athletes alike.
At the 1986 Commonwealth Games in July, Whitbread broke the Games record twice during her first three throws, and led with a distance of, before Sanderson achieved and won. Whitbread sat down crying on the field after the result for around 30 minutes. After the medal ceremony, she commented, while still visibly upset: "12 years of hard work.
Still no [gold] medal... I've waited two long years since [the 1984 Summer Olympics]. And now I'm humiliated." Sanderson, who had placed behind Whitbread in all of their seven post-1984 Olympics meetings before the Games, said "I don't mind losing to Fatima in the smaller competitions, but not in the big ones."
Education
Fatima's educational journey was intertwined with her athletics, as she pursued physical education and sport-related studies that complemented her training. While specific details about her academic achievements are less publicized, her involvement in sports from a young age laid the foundation for her later successes. She has also participated in various workshops and seminars, focusing on sports science and coaching.
Vedad started throwing the javelin aged 11.
According to her account, she had taken up an interest in track and field events after being inspired by the myth of Atalanta, "whom no man could outrun except by cheating, and whose javelin killed a terrible monster"; and by Mary Peters, who won the gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics' women's pentathlon.
Vedad met javelin thrower David Ottley at a stadium and asked him if she could use his javelin. He asked her to wait until the coach arrived. The coach was Margaret Whitbread, a physical education teacher at a local school, whom Vedad had previously met when Whitbread refereed a netball match that she played in.
After discovering that Vedad stayed at a children's home, Margaret Whitbread passed on some boots and a javelin from a girl who had retired from the event. Three years later, Vedad was adopted by Margaret Whitbread and her family. She spent her teenage years in Chadwell St Mary, Essex, where she attended the Torells School in nearby Grays.
