A Stoke-on-Trent-born Olympian who won gold in the long jump at this summer’s Commonwealth Games has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for Let’s Do Business 2026.
Jazmin Sawyers claimed gold with a 6.93m jump at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow on 1 August, less than two years after rupturing her Achilles tendon and being forced to withdraw from the Paris Olympics.
The Commonwealth title came after some difficult setbacks for Jazmin, who missed the final of the 2023 World Championships and was forced to withdraw from the Paris Olympics while recovering from surgery.
Now Jazmin will take to the stage at the county’s biggest annual business expo – which is set to return to Uttoxeter Racecourse on Thursday, 8 October – where share her experiences of elite performance, resilience and success.
Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Jazmin’s story is a brilliant example of resilience, determination and what can be achieved when you keep pushing forward.
“Having followed her journey and seen what she has achieved this summer, I can’t wait to hear her share her experiences with our business community in October.”
The Commonwealth Games gold represented a full-circle moment for Jazmin, who returned to the city 12 years after winning silver at the same venue at her first major championships.
A British indoor record holder, sports commentator and presenter, Jazmin is a firm believer in the crossover between creative and physical pursuits, and how both can contribute to success.
Stuart added: “Jazmin’s story is exactly the kind of story we want to bring to our business community. Resilience is built through hard work and by staying focused when things don’t go to plan. I know delegates are going to take a huge amount from hearing it first-hand.
“We’re expecting our biggest Let’s Do Business crowd in the expo’s history, and with two fantastic speakers, I am sure it will be a fantastic day.”
Jazmin will join fellow keynote speaker Melvyn Downes, the former SAS Sergeant Major and star of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.
More than 1,000 businesses are expected to attend this year’s event.
A limited number of delegate tickets are remaining and can be booked free, here.
