EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS
CELEBR ATING MOTHER’S DAY AND MAKING OLYMPIC HISTORY
TELLS US WHY BECOMING A MUM IS ONE OF HER GREATEST GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENTS
Tessa Sanderson is an Olympic champion, has broken world records and even had streets named after her. But no accolade could ever compare to a moment she shared with her daughter Ruby Mae.
“Her school had a day where the kids had to dress up as their hero. She said: ‘Mummy, I would really like to go as you,’” the former javelin thrower tells HELLO!.. “It was extraordinary and emotional – it gave me a tingly feeling.
“I’m so chuffed that she’s proud of her mummy. It was the same as when I came home after winning all my medals; a feeling that you want to show off to everybody.”
FAMILY JOY
Having represented England at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at World Championships and six Olympics – including making history at the Los Angeles 1984 games by becoming the first British black woman to win a gold medal – Tessa’s trophy cabinet is full to the brim.
But today, she is joined by her ultimate pride and joy, husband Densign White and their 11-year-old twins Ruby Mae and Cassius, for our exclusive photoshoot and interview to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Becoming a mother at 56, when she and Densign fostered and then adopted Ruby and Cassius, who were then babies, is Tessa’s greatest achievement, she says. “They are our absolute world. Adopting my children was one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
On Sunday, she will be showered with gifts by her loved ones. “We usually have a family gathering with chocolates and champagne.”
Ruby Mae, meanwhile, always goes the extra mile to make her feel special, with one Mother’s Day treat standing out.
“She made Dens and I get dressed up as if we were going out to dinner and cooked us a meal. She’s so loving and caring.”
Tessa’s affection is reciprocated by her son and daughter. “When I’m sad, she comforts me and listens and I enjoy when we are cooking together; that’s the best,” Ruby says, while Cassius tells us his favourite things about his mum are that: “She’s loving and caring and is an Olympic gold medallist.”
ROLE MODEL
It’s not only the twins who’ll be showering Tessa with love; Densign, who himself compet
