Hannah White

Hannah White (born Hannah Elizabeth Gwillim White on 30 March 1983 in Berkshire, England) is a Broadcaster, Sailor and Adventurer.

She is best known for her original concept channel 5 TV show 'Go Hard or Go Home' where she takes normal people and has three months to prepare them to complete a huge physical challenge; using the relentless drive that has seen her successfully complete one solo Atlantic crossing to spur them on, and inspire the watching public to think 'if they can do it why can't I!'.

Early life

The younger of two children, Hannah grew up in Newbury, Berkshire and was educated at The Godolphin School, Salisbury. She lived in Lymington, Hampshire until 2012. She now lives in North London.

Career

Adventure

Sailing Having first been introduced to sailing at the age of 15 by the family of one of her school friends, White's first ever Cowes Week was a frustrating experience with her feeling, due to her novice status, like she was "always getting in the way and in the wrong place”. However, this, alongside a genuine passion for being 'on the water' was her first step on her sailing career. Competing in many races and regattas so far the pinnacle her career has been her 2nd place finish in the solo trans-Atlantic race, the OSTAR, in 2009. A 3200 nm race following the historical North Atlantic route from Plymouth, UK to Newport, USA she completed the race in 20days 22mins, missing out on the under 35-foot world record by just a few minutes but being awarded the prestigious media award for the OSTAR, as voted for by the public. In total, White made two solo attempts to cross the Atlantic between 2005 (in this year as the youngest ever female competitor) and 2009, one of which was successful.^[1]

The LandRover Adventure challenge ^[2] As part of the ‘senior adventurer’ team in March 2014 Hannah, alongside Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Kenton Cool and Eric Louaziau, competed with aspiring explorers in a challenge to see who they judged, out of the juniors, would receive the title of ‘the next generation of explorer’.

Broadcasting

Sailing During her professional racing career Hannah featured heavily in the local press, frequently working for BBC local radio and ITV Meridian, covering maritime and sailing events. In 2010 Hannah was part of the commentary team for the Olympic test event, Sail for Gold in Weymouth. Hannah became the lead presenter for the World Match Racing Tour 2011 broadcasting to over 180 countries worldwide. The live coverage for Monsoon Cup in Malaysia was nominated for a National RTS Award for best live event. At the end of 2011 Hannah joined the Volvo Ocean Race as Master of Ceremonies, and Presenter, visiting 10 countries over 9 months. Commentating on racing, and MC’ing prize givings, race days arrival and departure ceremonies to 2.9 million people around the world. Average live audiences on In-Port race days were 43,882. Hannah was co-presenter and commentator for the Sailing Venue, Weymouth at the London 2012 Olympic Games (featuring in The Sunday Times, Style Magazine). With daily audiences of over 5000, the Olympic Sailing Venue was voted the most popular spectator venue across all 42 Olympic venues.

Go Hard or Go Home ^[3] Aired in January 2014 this 4 x 60 series was produced by Channel 5’s new in-house production arm, and focused on the members of the British public which Hannah choose to take part in a selection of life changing challenge. In just twelve weeks Hannah equipped the competitors, including doctors; car dealers; pub landlords; and members of the Woman’s Institute, with the necessary skills to attempt events from ‘The World’s Toughest Canoe Race’ in Texas to ‘The Bone Breaker’, a 127mile cycle race across the Pyrenees; to a 71mile charity triathlon in California and a 41mile quadrathlon across the western coast of Ireland, with the reputation as the toughest race in Europe.

Countryfile ^{[4] [5]} An occasional co-host on the show, Hannah loves exploring the great British Outdoors believing that fresh air and exercise makes you a happier and healthier person.

Future Plans

Hannah is currently planning to make history by being the first person to complete the three peaks sailing challenge ^[6] solo.

References