Ayo Akinwolere is an award-winning broadcaster and world record swimmer.

Ayo is a versatile broadcaster and presenter whose work spans sport, current affairs, and storytelling that connects with a broad range of audiences. In 2023, he became the host of the Athletic FC Podcast a flagship show for the Athletic and New York Times, where he explores some of the most pressing stories in football. The podcast went on to receive Sports Podcast of the Year at the 2024 British Podcast Awards.

His career in broadcasting began on Blue Peter, where he made history as the show’s first Black male presenter. His time there helped shape his style as a storyteller and led to several nominations at the Children’s BAFTAs. He later moved into current affairs, presenting Inside Out in the West Midlands between 2014 and 2017. His first documentary for the programme earned an RTS Award, and he later received the BBC Ruby Award for Programme of the Year.

Ayo has since become a familiar face in sports media. He has presented live rugby coverage for Channel 4, and co-hosted the weekly rugby magazine show The Big Tackle. His work has also included football coverage for the BBC’s Football Focus and The Premier League Show, as well as three years hosting the Europa League on CBS USA’s Golazo. In 2022 he was part of the BBC’s Winter Olympics broadcasting team and in 2023, hosting his daily show as part of the BBC’s Commonwealth Games team, which received an RTS Award for Best Sports Programme.

He currently hosts Premier League Today for Premier League Productions and continues to work on major sporting events, including coverage for Channel 4, Amazon Prime, and the BBC.

Beyond presenting, Ayo is a producer and co-director at MilkFirst Productions, a platform for developing original and meaningful media content. He also previously hosted Why I Run, a podcast created with Red Bull and Wings for Life, which explored the personal motivations of runners from around the world.

In 2011, Ayo became the first person to swim across the Pilau Trench—part of the deepest stretch of ocean on Earth.

Alongside his media work, Ayo is involved in several causes close to his heart. He serves on the jury for the BAFTA Film and Television Awards and has supported organisations such as Crisis UK, where he is a current ambassador, and Street Child United, advocating for the rights of street-connected children. He also works with The Prince’s Trust, mentoring young people in Birmingham and beyond.

Ayo continues to focus on work that informs, inspires, and reflects the world around him—whether on screen, behind the mic, or in the community.