**Dame Laura Kenny to Guest Edit Radio 4’s Today Programme During Christmas**
Dame Laura Kenny, a celebrated British cyclist and the most decorated female Olympian in history, is set to take on a unique role this festive season as she guest edits the iconic “Today” programme on BBC Radio 4. Her involvement was officially announced by the BBC, marking a significant moment for both Kenny and the programme itself, as she will be among a select group of notable figures shaping its content this Christmas period.
Every year, the “Today” programme invites various public personalities to edit episodes during the Christmas and New Year festivities, a tradition that has spanned over two decades. Alongside Laura Kenny, other esteemed guest editors this year include notable names such as the acclaimed author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the former chancellor Sir Sajid Javid, and the beloved TV presenter Baroness Floella Benjamin. Also joining the lineup are Dwayne Fields, an adventurous television presenter, and Professor Irene Tracey, a neuroscientist and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
The varied backgrounds of these editors promise to infuse the programme with an array of topical discussions and unique perspectives. Laura Kenny’s episode is expected to delve deeply into the influence that elite sports have on women’s health, touching on important subjects such as fertility and the quality of physical education offered in schools. Her focus on the intersection of sports, wellness, and educational policy is particularly timely as these issues garner increasing attention in today’s discourse around health and education.
In a heartening tradition, notable past guest editors of the programme have included global icons such as actor Angelina Jolie, physicist Stephen Hawking, musician Bono, and renowned authors including Margaret Atwood and David Hockney. Other impactful figures such as charity campaigner Raheem Sterling and environmentalist Greta Thunberg have also left their imprint on the programme, showcasing a diverse range of priorities and societal concerns through their editorial choices.
This year’s “Today” programme will see a thoughtful curation of content across several days, starting with Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s Christmas Eve episode which will explore the transformative role that reading plays in children’s lives and delve into how a child’s brain develops during storytime. Following that, Dwayne Fields will highlight pressing social issues such as homelessness and the invaluable contributions of volunteers to society during his Boxing Day episode.
On December 27th, Sir Sajid Javid, who previously held key governmental roles including home secretary, will lead discussions about the implications and potential consequences of artificial intelligence, alongside reflections on the classic BBC children’s programme “Grange Hill.” Professor Irene Tracey will explore advancements in chronic pain relief and universities’ roles in society in her segment on December 28th.
The programming continues to evolve as Dame Laura Kenny rounds out the series on New Year’s Eve, prompting discussions on the impact of elite athletics on women’s physical health. Her intention to advocate for better physical education in schools mirrors her experience in sports and its associated health benefits, making her contributions both poignant and relevant.
Owenna Griffiths, the programme editor for “Today,” expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s lineup, emphasizing her anticipation for the fresh insights and compelling narratives that the guest editors are sure to bring forth. Griffiths highlighted the importance of these segments in offering diverse viewpoints and invigorating spirit to the festive broadcast.
In conclusion, Dame Laura Kenny’s guest editorship is not just a celebration of her illustrious career as a cyclist; it is also a pivotal opportunity to engage the audience in meaningful dialogue surrounding critical issues affecting health, education, and the empowerment of women in sports today. With a distinguished array of peers joining her, this year’s Christmas offerings from “Today” promise to be illuminating and thought-provoking.
