Matt Baker, known to many as a presenter on Countryfile, has spoken about how a childhood health diagnosis ended his ambition of becoming an Olympic gymnast. The presenter is currently covering the World Gymnastics Championships for the BBC, a sport he has remained close to since his early years.
Baker began training in gymnastics at the age of five and went on to win a North of England championship, as well as achieving a perfect 10 from the British Amateur Gymnastics Association. He had hoped to represent Great Britain at the Olympics, but those plans were cut short by a medical condition.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
At the age of 13, Baker was diagnosed with anaemia, a condition marked by insufficient levels of healthy red blood cells, which can cause severe fatigue, weakness and breathlessness. The diagnosis meant he could no longer train at the intensity required, leading him to make the difficult decision to step away from the sport.
Speaking to Wiltshire Farm Foods about the decision, Baker said: "It meant I just couldn't train to the level that was needed, so I made the heartbreaking decision to stop."
Finding a New Path
In a previous interview with The Telegraph, Baker described how the diagnosis left him "really upset." He said: "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."
He added: "I'd lost my identity in a way. But then I just committed to something else: I went off and became a North of England pole-vaulting champion and did sports acrobatics."
An Emotional Tribute
During recent coverage of the Gymnastics World Championships, Baker paid tribute to fellow commentators Christine Still and Craig Heap, who are departing the team. He said: "I can't believe I'm saying this, but this could be the last time that we all sit together and enjoy the gymnastics."
Addressing Still, he said: "Christine, we have worked together for 20 years. You've been like a mum to me, you really have, as we've travelled all over the world together. And may I say, I've loved every single second." He then told Heap: "We've been friends for many, many years. I've loved your company, mate. Honestly, I'm so gonna miss you both, I really am."
BBC audiences were left emotional after watching the tribute, with many saying the commentary would never be the same again. Our Barn in the Dales returns to More4 on Tuesdays at 9pm.
