Dr Gannon, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching and School Sport, was chosen by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) to commentate on the gymnastics events, as well as being an official stadium announcer, at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo.

Dr Gannon, who previously represented Wales and Great Britain as an international gymnast, is a director at Welsh Gymnastics.

She is a prominent voice within gymnastics, having presented and commentated at various global events including the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Dr Gannon was in Tokyo for the duration of the gymnastics events and said that her highlight was witnessing Great Britain’s Max Whitlock win his third Olympic gold medal on the pommel horse.

Dr Gannon said: “It was a truly extraordinary experience, in that it was completely out of the ordinary.

“It was an honour and a privilege to witness some of the best athletes and gymnasts in the world, where others weren’t able to due to the pandemic.”

She added: “For the athletes, it was a unique experience which was tinged with a moment of sadness because it wasn’t the same performing in front of an empty stadium as it would be when there is a full house.

“I was proud to be able to play some part in making it the best experience for the athletes that were there and provide in-depth commentary for those that were watching on television and couldn’t be in Tokyo.”

Dr Christopher Sellars, Head of Department, Sport, Health and Physical Education at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We are extremely proud of Lisa for her constant hard work within the world of gymnastics, which paid off when she was selected to commentate at this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games.

“We are looking forward to Lisa sharing this knowledge and expertise with our students as they prepare to take the next steps in their own careers.”

Dr Gannon has delivered physical education, coaching and sports science to undergraduate and postgraduate students for more than 20 years. Her PhD research includes work on joint laxity and bone health.

Find out more about sports coaching at Leeds Trinity University on the website.