Olympic athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson has delved into her family history in a recent episode of the BBC One series Who Do You Think You Are?, airing at 9 p.m. on August 6. Johnson-Thompson, who was raised in Liverpool by her mother, Tracey, explored her paternal roots following the death of her father, Ricardo, in 2017, who lived in the Bahamas.

During the programme, Johnson-Thompson uncovered significant chapters of her ancestry linked to the civil rights era. She learned about her great-grandmother, Clara, who was actively engaged in supporting the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. Additionally, the athlete traced the legacy of her two-times great-grandfather, Matthew, who was noted for his courageous opposition to racial segregation.

The episode highlights Johnson-Thompson’s personal journey to connect with her family’s past and sheds light on their contributions to important social causes. Through archival records and expert insights, the programme offers a deeper understanding of her heritage and the historical context surrounding her ancestors’ lives.