Born: 1950 (Wellingborough, Northamptonshire)
Biography:
Doris Anita Neil OLY (born 5 April 1950) is a retired British international sprinter. In 1968, she became the first black British woman Olympian. From an impoverished family, Neil was forced to rely on charity to travel to meets and obtain equipment. Eventually, the lack of a coach, insufficient training facilities, and the need to support her family financially forced Neil into early retirement at just 23 years old.
Anita Neil was born in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, to an African-American father and a white English mother. Her father, a staff sergeant with the United States Army stationed in Wellingborough during World War II, met her mother, Florence, a local woman. However, her father left when she was six, leaving Neil’s mother to raise their five children single-handedly with the support of Neil’s grandparents.
Neil worked as a machinist in a clothing factory and trained in her spare time. Though primarily known as a sprinter, Neil’s first competition for Great Britain was in the long jump in 1966. She represented GB in the 1967 European Cup. Neil became British champion in the 100 meters in 1970 and 1971. At a national competition in Portsmouth, she won the 100 yards and broke the national record with a time of 10.6 seconds. In the same meet, she was part of the 4 x 110m relay team that set a world record. Neil even had the opportunity to meet George Best during her visit to Buckingham Palace, where she was invited as recognition for her achievements. She was also encouraged by her hero, Mary Rand, and became a member of the women’s athletics club, London Olympiades. Neil is considered a pioneer in the first generation of Black British female Olympic athletes.
Neil represented Great Britain in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico, competing in the 100 meters and the 4 x 100 meters relay. She advanced to the second round in the 100 meters and to the final in the relay. She also competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, once again progressing to the second round in the 100 meters and to the final in the relay. In 1969, Neil competed at the European Athletics Championships in Athens, winning bronze medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 x 100 meters relay. She also represented England at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, where she won a silver medal in the 4 x 100 meters relay.
After retiring at the young age of 23 due to financial constraints and a lack of training facilities, Neil had to hide her trophies. However, when the Olympic torch made its way through her hometown of Wellingborough, she was the only Olympic athlete present.
Overall, Anita Neil’s perseverance and dedication to her sport, despite facing numerous challenges, has left an indelible mark on British athletics. Her breakthrough as the first black British woman to represent her country at the Olympics paved the way for future generations of athletes. Neil’s story serves as an inspiration for young athletes, showing that success can be achieved even in the face of adversity.