We are delighted that Phil has joined our BRIT Ambassador family and is championing the annual BRIT Challenge to support and improve e young adult mental health and fitness throughout the UK.
Phil has represented Great Britain at the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships, and represented England at three consecutive Commonwealth Games.
“I am thrilled to be joining the BRIT Ambassador family to support and improve young adult mental and fitness throughout the UK.
Over the past 40 years, I have had the privilege of working with students, young adults and children in various roles with a focus on improving and maintaining good mental health. It is clear that there has been an increase in the number of young adults struggling with mental health challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly compounding existing mental health issues; especially those who are vulnerable. It is vital that young adults receive professional support when they need it and we must do everything we can to ensure this is available in the short, medium and long-term.
In addition to signposting young adults and students to the NHS, the MindOut LGBTQ Mental Health Service, PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide, Samaritans and Shout, BRIT are inviting every university and college team to choose a second charity tot raise funds for, alongside BRIT, to support local, regional and national charities. BRIT’s innovative and inspiring approach is a great example of how charities can collaborate and work together to support student and young adult mental health.
BRIT deliver inspiration and encouragement to students and young adults with the support of their BRIT Ambassadors; these are current and retired Olympians, Paralympians, elite athletes, adventurers and explorers who are invited to join the BRIT Ambassador family. Their role is to promote the BRIT Challenge at universities and colleges of their choice, help destigmatise mental health and champion equality, diversity and inclusion. I urge my fellow Olympians to join our BRIT Ambassador family so every university and college receives support and encouragement as they take on the BRIT Challenge and we can have a positive impact on improving young adult mental health and fitness throughout the UK.
I look forward to supporting students and staff at the University of Derby and the Derby College Group as they take on their BRIT Challenge.”
Phil Brown OLY
Great Britain sprinter and Olympic, World and Commonwealth medallist
Phil was a member of Birchfield Harriers, specialised in the 400 metres and was an exceptional anchor leg relay runner in the 4 x 400 metres.
Throughout his career, Phil represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships, and represented England at three consecutive Commonwealth Games.
In 1982, Phil ran the anchor leg in the 4 x 400 metres at the European Championships when the team one silver. That same year, Phil represented England at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane where he won gold in the 4 x 400 metres and finished 6th in the 400 metres.
In 1983, Phil won bronze at the World Championships in Helsinki when he ran the anchor leg in the 4 x 400 metres relay.
One of Phil’s career highlights was at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. Phil ran the achor leg in the 4 x 400 metres and in the final 100 metres, overtook Rick Mitchell of Australia and Innocent Egbunike of Nigeria to win the silver medal for Great Britain with his teammates; Kriss Akabusi, Garry Cook and Todd Bennett. Phil’s final leg time of 44.3 seconds resulted in a time of 2:59.13 which was a British and European Record at the time and the first time that a Great Britain team had run under three minutes.
Phil represented England at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh where he won gold in the 4 x 400 metres and bronze in the 400 metres.
In 1987, Phil ran the anchor leg at the World Championships when the team one silver and set a new European Record.
Phil’s third and final Commonwealth appearance, representing England, was at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand, where he competed in the 400 metres.
Following his retirement as an elite athlete, Phil continued to promote sport development at Birmingham City Council until 1992; an appointment he had fulfilled for almost 10 years.
Phil then worked at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as a Development Officer where he supported volunteers to deliver the programme. Phil returned to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 2010 when he became Executive Director of Central England; an appointment he held for seven years.
In 2019, Phil became a Behavioural Support and Learning Mentor at Hilton Primary School.
Throughout his life, Phil has supported young adults and children to develop skills to maintain good mental health.
To find out more about athletics in Great Britain, please visit the British Athletics website.
To find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, please visit the D of E website.