Matt Baker, the TV presenter best known for Countryfile and The One Show, once dreamed of representing Great Britain in gymnastics at the Olympics, but a health battle ended that ambition when he was 13.
Baker is currently fronting a new More4 series, Our Barn in the Dales, which follows him and his family renovating an old barn on their farm. He has also been the lead commentator for the BBC at the World Gymnastics Championships, a role that has left some viewers puzzled.
Early Gymnastics Career
Gymnastics had been close to Baker's heart since childhood. He began training at the age of five and went on to win a North of England title. During his early years, he scored a perfect 10 from the British Amateur Gymnastics Association.
His competitive career came to an end when he was diagnosed with anaemia at 13. The condition, which involves low levels of healthy red blood cells, brings symptoms such as extreme tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath.
Impact of Anaemia Diagnosis
The diagnosis meant Baker could no longer train at the intensity required, leading him to step away from the sport. Speaking to Wiltshire Farm Foods about the decision, he said: "It meant I just couldn't train to the level that was needed, so I made the heartbreaking decision to stop."
He previously told The Telegraph that the news left him "really upset", adding: "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 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."
Commentary Career and Tribute
Baker has become a well-known voice at the Olympic Games, European Championships and Commonwealth Games. He told TV Times: "It makes me laugh when people ask, 'Why is the guy from Countryfile commentating on gymnastics?!' But yes, I love the eclectic mix of things that I do and have done."
During recent coverage of the Gymnastics World Championships, Baker paid an emotional tribute to fellow commentators Christine Still and Craig Heap, who were leaving 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. 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."
Turning to Craig, he added: "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 viewers were left feeling emotional after the tribute, calling it the end of an era. Our Barn in the Dales returns to More4 on Tuesdays at 9pm.
