Kadeena Cox OBE (born 10 March 1991) is a parasport athlete and British television presenter. She competes in T38 para-athletics sprint events and C4 para-cycling. Cox has achieved remarkable success in both sports, earning world titles and winning medals at the Paralympic Games.
Cox made her mark on the international stage in 2015 at the IPC Athletics World Championships. She displayed her incredible speed and skill to claim the world title in the T37 100m event. The following year, Cox showcased her versatility by competing in para-cycling at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships. She secured the gold medal in the C4 500m time trial, further establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of para-sports.
The pinnacle of Cox’s athletic career came at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Representing Great Britain, she achieved remarkable success in both athletics and cycling disciplines. Cox won a bronze medal in the Women’s 100m T38 sprint, showcasing her speed and agility. However, she didn’t stop there. In the Women’s C4-5 cycling time trial, Cox powered her way to a gold medal, displaying her exceptional endurance and determination. She also claimed another gold in the T38 400m sprint, solidifying her status as one of the most versatile and successful Paralympians.
With these achievements, Cox made history as the first British Paralympian to win gold medals in multiple sports at the same Games since Isabel Barr at the 1984 Summer Paralympics. Her remarkable athletic prowess and dedication have been an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans worldwide.
Outside of sports, Cox has also made a name for herself as a television presenter. In 2021, she appeared as a contestant on ITV’s popular reality show, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. Her participation in the show allowed viewers to see her personality and resilience beyond her athletic achievements.
Cox’s journey to success has not been without challenges. In 2014, she faced a major setback when she suffered a stroke. Despite this adversity, Cox displayed incredible strength and determination to recover and return to her training. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful example to others, both within and outside of the sports world.
Born on 10 March 1991 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, Cox is the daughter of Jamaican migrants. She attended Bracken Edge Primary in Chapeltown, Leeds, before continuing her education at Wetherby High School. Cox went on to study physiotherapy at Manchester Metropolitan University.
From an early age, Cox demonstrated a passion for athletics. She began her competitive sprinting career at the age of 15, encouraged by her hockey coach. Over the years, she steadily improved her performance, participating in regional under-17 meets and earning podium finishes in the 100m events.
Cox’s talent and dedication continued to shine as she expanded her repertoire to include the 60m and 200m events. Her success culminated in 2012 when she recorded a personal best in the 200m and claimed a bronze medal at the BUCS Championships held at the Olympic Park.
In addition to her achievements in athletics, Cox had aspirations of joining the British skeleton team. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she experienced a stroke in 2014. After rigorous physiotherapy and a determined spirit, Cox made a full recovery and resumed her training.
Throughout her career, Cox has been recognized for her exceptional athletic achievements and inspiring story of overcoming adversity. Her talent, resilience, and groundbreaking success have made her a true trailblazer in the world of parasport.
Awards:
– Gold medal, T37 100m – 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships
– Gold medal, C4 500m time trial – 2016 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships
– Bronze medal, Women’s 100m T38 sprint – 2016 Summer Paralympics
– Gold medal, Women’s C4-5 cycling time trial – 2016 Summer Paralympics
– Gold medal, T38 400m sprint – 2016 Summer Paralympics