Abigail Irozuru

Time on Board - October 2024 to present

Why I joined the Greater Manchester Moving Board - I am excited to join GM Moving as a trustee because of my 20+ years of experience in elite sport and deep passion for physical activity which I believe is a core contributor to positive wellbeing. Having previously worked with GM Moving's partners on youth sports initiatives in Manchester, I’ve seen the positive impact of promoting inclusivity and grassroots participation first-hand. My journey as a Team GB Olympian, alongside my roles on Athlete Commissions, and charitable work in athlete transition and skill development feels like only part of my story; I’m excited to be able to make a wider societal contribution, aligned with GM Moving’s mission to boost the health, wellbeing and happiness of people across Greater Manchester.

Current Job - MBA Candidate at The Alliance Manchester Business School (Class of 2026), Keynote Speaker and Private Tutor

Professional Background - I am a retired athlete and Team GB Olympic long jumper with almost 20 years of experience in elite sport, representing Great Britain at the Olympics, Worlds, Europeans, and Commonwealth Games. I serve on the British Olympic Association and UK Athletics Athletes' Commissions, contributing to governance, commercial partnership programmes and athlete welfare. In addition, I’ve been involved in education since 2007, running a successful tuition agency and tutoring students. Alongside my work in education, I am currently an MBA candidate at the Alliance Manchester Business School, a keynote speaker, and an entrepreneur with experience running small businesses. I enjoy mentoring freelancers and small business owners, particularly women in business, and supporting athlete transitions and personal development.

Skills I Bring -
Coaching & Mentorship: Extensive experience mentoring and coaching freelancers, especially women in business, helping them build careers and navigate challenges. Experience mentoring athletes, supporting career transitions, and running upskilling programs for tutors.
Communication & Advocacy: Ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences, from young athletes to senior decision-makers, advocating for inclusivity and participation in sport, as well as delivering impactful talks on resilience, career transitions, and high-performance mindset.
Programme Development: Knowledge of designing and implementing sport-based and academic programmes focused on youth development, career growth and social impact.

Areas of Expertise - 
High-Performance Sport: 17 years in elite athletics, representing Team GB at the Olympics, Worlds, Europeans, and Commonwealth Games.
Athlete Transitions & Skill Development: Consulting with organisations to develop programs that support athletes transitioning out of sport.
Business & Freelancing: Specialising in mentoring freelancers, particularly women in business, with a focus on career growth and entrepreneurial success.
Inclusivity in Sport: Promoting diversity, inclusion, and access to sport, with a focus on underrepresented groups.
Youth Development: Experience creating opportunities for young people in sport through initiatives like the 'Elite Athlete Experience' Day and involvement in SEND programmes.

Personal Interests - In my spare time, I love a good book and that can range from a favourite classic by Dostoevsky, a cheesy chick-lit by Danielle Steel or Sophie Kinsella, or a deep autobiography, for example I’m currently reading actor, David Harewood’s memoir on race, identity, breakdown and recovery: ‘Maybe I don’t belong here’. On a weekend evening, I’m also a fan of finding a feel-good film or series to watch on Disney+ or Netflix. But, during the daytime, I love to have a variety of fitness outlets, from rollerblading to indoor climbing (bouldering) and gymnastics. When time is limited, I’ll do a quick home workout, cycle, walk or run around my neighbourhood or pop on Samsung Health for an inspired workout or stretch routine. Besides fitness, movement and vegging on the couch with a book, series or movie, I love experimenting in the kitchen. I recently baked bread for the first time (ADORE!) and I am obsessed with my Thermomix for expanding my cooking and baking range. I’m a massive foodie and that’s why one of my life highlights is getting friends or family around for an afternoon tea, brunch or dinner date.