Clare Balding

Clare Balding is one of Britain's leading broadcasters, a freelance presenter, writer, and broadcaster. Since launching her career in radio in 1994 and becoming the face of the BBC's racing output in 1998, she has covered a vast array of events. Balding has presented at five Olympic Games, four Paralympics, and three Winter Olympics. Her expertise extends across multiple sports from Horse Racing to Rugby League, Swimming to Golf or Tennis. Renowned for her versatility and reliability, she is equally adept on both radio and television.

Balding has presented "Ramblings" on Radio 4 since 1999, a walking series that delves into different aspects of the British landscape and the people who inhabit it. Her television work includes hosting "Britain By Bike" on BBC4 in 2010, "Crufts" for the BBC and More4, and major live events such as the Lord Mayor's Show and Trooping the Colour. She has also hosted "Countryfile" and "Britain’s Hidden Heritage" for BBC One. Since 2013, she has been presenting "The Clare Balding Show" on BT Sport and BBC Two, where she interviews prominent sports personalities.

Balding's contributions to sports journalism have been widely recognized. She has been honored with numerous awards, including the BAFTA Special Award and RTS Presenter of the Year for her coverage of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, she has won the RTS Sports Presenter of the Year, Sports Presenter of the Year at the TRIC Awards, and Racing Journalist of the Year. Her work has also been acknowledged with a special achievement award at the Women in Film and Television awards for her Olympic and Paralympic coverage. She has received further accolades from Attitude Magazine, Red Magazine, Tatler, and the Horserace Writers Association.

Balding's literary contributions include her first book, "My Animals and Other Family," published by Penguin in 2012, which won biography of the year at the National Book Awards. Her second book, "Walking Home," was released in 2014, further establishing her as a versatile talent capable of engaging audiences in print as well as through broadcast.