Our club is deeply saddened to report the death of multi-events and jumps coach Jennie Neal. Jennie had lived with cancer for several years, and we understand that she died unexpectedly.
Jennie was a Brighton coach, a stalwart of Sussex athletics and an England jumps coach. She coached many leading Brighton and Sussex athletes, including club and county Long Jump record holder Tom French, club under 20 Triple Jump record holder Jack Valeri, senior women’s Triple Jump record holder Annie Close and multiple English Schools’ medallist Anna Short.
Jennie was both an excellent coach and a generous mentor, willingly sharing her knowledge and expertise with the next generation, including our Head Coach Sarah Hewitt and independent club coach Pat Apantaku.
We send our condolences to Jennie’s family and many friends. We also send thanks to Jennie from the numerous athletes she guided so outstandingly over the years.