Rhona McLeod – The Inspiring Journey of a Scottish Broadcaster, Former Athlete, and Media Pioneer
Who Is Rhona McLeod?
Rhona McLeod is a distinguished Scottish broadcaster, sports journalist, and former international athlete who has carved a remarkable path in both the sporting and media worlds. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has become a respected voice in sports journalism, known for her professionalism, warmth, and commitment to promoting health, fitness, and inclusion in sport.
From her early days as a talented athlete representing Scotland in athletics, to her later years as one of BBC Scotland’s leading sports broadcasters, and now as the founder of McLeod Media Ltd, Rhona’s journey reflects dedication, resilience, and passion for storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Born on 11 May 1966 in Scotland, Rhona McLeod grew up surrounded by sport and a strong sense of determination. Her athletic ability was evident from an early age, leading her to represent the Scottish Athletics team for seven years, specialising in sprint hurdles and the long jump.
Rhona pursued her academic ambitions alongside her sporting career. She studied Broadcasting and French at the University of Wyoming in the United States, where she earned a sports scholarship and competed as part of the university’s track and field team. Later, she completed a BA in Film and Media Studies with Psychology at the University of Stirling, where she was a sports scholar and achieved her University Blue for athletics.
These early academic and athletic experiences shaped her understanding of performance, teamwork, and communication—skills that would later define her success as a broadcaster and media professional.
From Athlete to Broadcaster: Rhona McLeod’s BBC Scotland Years
After retiring from competitive athletics, Rhona McLeod transitioned into the media world, combining her sporting insight with journalistic excellence. In 1995, she joined BBC Scotland, where she would spend the next 24 years as a Senior Broadcast Journalist and presenter.
Her time at BBC Scotland saw her covering over 50 sports disciplines and some of the biggest events in global sport. She reported from numerous Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cup tournaments, Ryder Cups, and Six Nations Championships. Her work included presenting sport on Reporting Scotland and producing television and radio content that resonated with millions across the country.
Rhona’s exceptional contribution to sports journalism was recognised when she received the Royal Television Society (RTS) Award for Sports News Journalism, a testament to her storytelling ability and credibility as one of Scotland’s most trusted broadcasters.
Rhona McLeod – Founder of McLeod Media Ltd
In May 2019, after an accomplished BBC career, Rhona decided to take her skills in a new direction by founding her own media company, McLeod Media Ltd. The company specialises in broadcasting, content production, event hosting, and media training.
Under her leadership, McLeod Media has delivered media services for a prestigious list of clients including:
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World Athletics
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Olympic Broadcasting Services
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European Athletics
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UK Athletics
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Scottish Rugby
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sportscotland
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Tennis Scotland
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Commonwealth Games Scotland
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The Scottish Government and Welsh Government
Rhona is also a highly sought-after event host and panel moderator, bringing professionalism and personality to awards ceremonies, conferences, and public events. Her calm presence and deep understanding of sport make her an asset both on-screen and on stage.
Rhona McLeod’s Current Roles and Global Engagement
Today, Rhona McLeod continues to work on the international stage as a host broadcast mixed-zone reporter for World Athletics, European Athletics, and Olympic Broadcasting Services. She has been part of the media teams at major sporting events such as:
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Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games
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Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
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Gangwon 2024 Youth Winter Olympic Games
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Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships
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Eugene 2022 World Championships
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Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (upcoming)
Her expertise in storytelling, content production, and athlete interviewing continues to set high standards within the global sports broadcasting community.
Rhona McLeod Age and Personal Life
As of 2025, Rhona McLeod is 59 years old. Despite her busy professional schedule, she places great importance on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle, embodying the same values of fitness and wellbeing that she advocates publicly.
She lives in Balfron, Stirlingshire, Scotland, with her husband Bruce Cook, and their two daughters, Briagha and Coirilidh Cook. The family shares a deep connection to sport, community, and outdoor life.
Rhona McLeod Husband – Bruce Cook
Rhona McLeod’s husband, Bruce Cook, is a respected sports sponsorship and strategy consultant, and the founder of SponsorLab and StrategyLab, companies specialising in performance monitoring and strategic sponsorship solutions.
According to Rhona’s own social media posts, the couple met on 25 September 1999 at a wedding in Colorado, married in January 2002 in Hawaii, and have been together for over 25 years.
Rhona often praises Bruce’s intelligence, empathy, and professionalism. In a 2025 LinkedIn post, she described him as a “hard-working, thoughtful, empathetic and intelligent husband,” highlighting his role in building StrategyLab from the ground up.
Rhona McLeod Daughters and Family Life
Rhona and Bruce Cook have two daughters, Briagha and Coirilidh, who are now in their early twenties. Both have inherited their parents’ love of sport and active living. Rhona frequently celebrates family milestones on her Instagram account (@rhonamcleodmedia), including birthdays and anniversaries.
In November 2024, she shared a joyful post celebrating her daughter Coirilidh’s 21st birthday at Menzies Hall in Fintry, describing it as a “big night for Coirilidh” and tagging her other daughter, Briagha Cook, in the post.
Her social media often reflects her values — a balance between family, fitness, travel, and gratitude.
Rhona McLeod on Social Media
Rhona is active across several social platforms, where she shares insights into her broadcasting work, sporting events, and personal reflections.
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Twitter/X: [@RhonaMcLeod] – Her official handle, where she posts updates about media projects, athletics coverage, and personal thoughts on health and sport.
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Instagram: [@rhonamcleodmedia] – A mix of professional highlights and family life.
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LinkedIn: A professional portfolio showcasing her broadcast roles, event hosting, and media training expertise.
Her posts reveal a down-to-earth personality that combines professionalism with warmth and authenticity — qualities that have made her a respected figure both on and off the screen.
BBC Scotland and Beyond: Rhona McLeod’s Legacy
During her 24 years at BBC Scotland, Rhona McLeod became one of the most recognisable female faces in sports broadcasting. She represented not only excellence in journalism but also progress for women in the industry. Her ability to connect with athletes and audiences alike has helped elevate coverage of Scottish and global sport.
Even after leaving the BBC, she continues to influence the industry through mentorship, consultancy, and training. Many young journalists and presenters credit her for inspiring them to pursue careers in sports media.
Rhona McLeod’s Philosophy and Advocacy
Beyond her professional success, Rhona McLeod remains an advocate for health, equality, and empowerment through sport. She often speaks about the life lessons sport can offer — teamwork, resilience, discipline, and empathy — values she promotes in her media training sessions and public speaking engagements.
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Sport connects us, teaches us, and strengthens us — both on and off the field.”
Conclusion
Rhona McLeod is far more than a broadcaster; she is a storyteller, mentor, and champion of sport. Her journey from an international athlete to a respected media leader embodies Scotland’s spirit of determination and excellence.
At 59 years old, she continues to inspire with her boundless energy, family values, and contribution to sport and media. Whether reporting from the world’s biggest arenas or mentoring the next generation of broadcasters, Rhona McLeod remains one of Scotland’s most admired figures — proof that passion, purpose, and perseverance can create an enduring legacy.
