The Team
Behind every athlete is a dedicated team. Meet Tom and the UK Deaf Athletics committee members working together to support our athletes and help Deaf athletics thrive.
Chris Jaeger MBE
Chair
Chris is an experienced educator, director and arts leader, recognised with an MBE for services to the arts and community. He founded the Worcester Festival, led Worcester Live and the Swan Theatre, and has written, directed and adjudicated widely across the UK. He co‑founded Deaf Dance in 2024 and became Chair of UK Deaf Athletics in 2026, bringing deep leadership experience and a strong commitment to inclusion.
Sarah Kay
Secretary
Sarah has supported UK Deaf Athletics for more than 15 years through her son Chris, who competes for UKDA. She understands many of the challenges faced by Deaf athletes and their families.
As Secretary, Sarah supports the committee and looks forward to helping Deaf athletes develop, grow and enjoy new opportunities.
Sarah Skelton
Treasurer
Sarah supports the committee with the responsible management of its finances and governance. She brings extensive experience in strategy, business planning and organisational leadership, alongside a strong commitment to helping UKDA grow sustainably. Sarah is proud to play a part in creating more opportunities for deaf athletes across the UK.
Rebecca Foster MBE
Co-opted Committee Member – UK Deaf Sport
Rebecca is a former international heptathlete who has supported UK Deaf Athletics for over 12 years, including as Team Manager and Travelling Coach at three Deaflympic Games. A UK Deaf Sport Board Member, she brings experience in inclusive sport, governance and partnerships to UKDA’s redevelopment. She was awarded an MBE for services to inclusive sport and young people.
Meet the Committee
Committee Members
Timothy Butler
Guy Finney
Mark Hester
David Robinson
Co-opted Committee Members
Tom Dobbing
Phil Powell
Nick Rimmer
Dr. Libby Steele
Tom Dobbing
Lead Coach
Tom Dobbing is a former international javelin thrower and highly experienced coach, with an MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Science and UK Athletics coaching qualifications.
During his competitive career, Tom represented Great Britain at U20 level and Scotland internationally. Since retiring from competition, he has held a range of senior coaching roles across Great Britain, England Athletics and the UK Armed Forces. He currently leads England’s javelin talent and pathway programmes and contributes to the UK Athletics Futures Programme. Athletes coached by Tom have won medals at major international age-group championships, as well as national senior and age-group events.
We are delighted to welcome Tom to Deaf sport and UK Deaf Athletics. His experience, knowledge and commitment will be a fantastic asset as he supports our athletes to develop and achieve their ambitions.