Clare Balding is a prominent English broadcast journalist, author, and sports presenter. Growing up in a horse training family, she developed a passion for horses early on and became an amateur flat jockey in her teens. Clare studied at Newnham College, Cambridge, before starting her broadcasting career in 1994 with BBC National Radio, where she worked across various channels.
Her television debut came in June 1995, presenting highlights of Royal Ascot. By 1998, she had become the BBC's lead horse racing presenter. Clare's versatility has made her a familiar face in sports broadcasting, covering major events such as the Grand National, Wimbledon, and the Olympics, including the 2012 Summer Paralympics, which earned her critical acclaim.
Beyond sports, Clare has hosted shows like "Ramblings" on BBC Radio 4 and "Britain By Bike" on BBC4. She temporarily co-hosted "Countryfile" during another presenter’s maternity leave. Her contributions to broadcasting have been recognised with numerous awards, including an OBE in 2013 and a Special BAFTA for her work on the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Her biography, published in 2012, won the National Book Awards' Biography of the Year.
Clare is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports, participating in initiatives like Sport Relief and serving as a patron for several charities, including the British Thyroid Foundation and Riding for the Disabled. As a keynote speaker and author, she has written columns for various publications and published her first children’s book in 2016.
Clare's career exemplifies resilience and determination in a male-dominated industry. Her storytelling ability and advocacy for women's sports have made her a respected figure in British media, leaving a lasting impact on sports broadcasting and journalism.
