The presenter shared how he misplaced his id for some time
BBC star Matt Baker opens up on health diagnosis which led to ‘heartbreak’ decision(Image: BBC)
Matt Baker has not too long ago opened up on how a health diagnosis led him to making a “heartbreaking” decision.
Long earlier than the BBC Countryfile star stepped in entrance of the cameras, he was a gymnast that competed in junior occasions.
Following the win of a North of England accolade, he dreamt of being “part of the Olympics”.
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Matt instructed Wiltshire Farm Foods: “Ever since I was a little lad, it was my dream to be part of the Olympics. But I ended up having to stop my gymnastics in my mid-teens because I got anaemia.
“It meant I simply could not prepare to the extent that was wanted so I made the heartbreaking decision to cease.”
Yet, he was given the opportunity to participate in the torch relay in his native County Durham as part of the London 2012 Olympics.
He added: “When I obtained to carry the torch via my residence metropolis it was an actual lump in your throat type of expertise.
“I’ve still got the torch that I had in the relay, it’s a real prized possession of mine.”
While he by no means competed, he did transfer into commentary for the Games, together with on the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Anaemia happens once you lack sufficient wholesome purple blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to tissues, main to fatigue, weak point, pale pores and skin, and shortness of breath, as per the NHS.
It causes embody iron/vitamin deficiency, blood loss, or continual illnesses. While extremely treatable, extreme untreated circumstances could cause coronary heart points or being pregnant problems.
Matt continued: “When I was told aged 13 that I was anaemic and had to slow down my gymnastics training, which meant that I wouldn’t be able to continue at the level I was at, I was really upset.
“I’d misplaced my id in a manner.
“But then I just committed to something else: I went off and became a North of England pole-vaulting champion and did sports acrobatics.”
