Kadeena Cox, an accomplished athlete and cyclist, has secured four Paralympic gold medals. Originally competing as an able-bodied athlete, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis following a stroke in 2014. Cox achieved gold in the 400m race at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and also in the cycling time trial. She continued to excel in cycling, winning two more gold medals at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics and is set to compete in the Paris Paralympics. At the age of 33, Cox also won Celebrity Masterchef in 2021 and participated in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded the OBE in 2022. Hailing from Leeds, she now resides near Knutsford in Cheshire.

About £3. I generally don’t use cash anymore; I prefer contactless payments.

What credit cards do you use?

I mostly rely on my debit card but use my credit card for larger purchases, like my recent £250 pair of spikes. I always pay off the bill immediately.

Are you a saver or a spender?

I strive to save, but I lean more towards being a spender. I love kitchen appliances; my latest purchase is a £500 Nama J2 juicer. I’m now hunting for the perfect coffee machine.

Do you own a property?

Yes, I bought a three-bedroom end-of-terrace house near Knutsford in Cheshire for about £360,000 last year. I plan to extend the bathroom by knocking through one of the walls. I see myself living here for the next five years, though I might need more space if I start a family.

Are you better off than your parents?

Probably. I grew up in Leeds with six siblings. My mother is Jamaican and my stepfather is from Barbados. My family owned a restaurant called Paradise in Leeds, but now my mother leads a cleaning team, and my stepfather is a forklift truck driver.

How much did you earn last year?

Enough to maintain my bouji chocolate-brown sausage dog, Max, whose upkeep costs me a few thousand pounds annually. This includes fresh food, collars, and toys, as well as a little pool for summer.

What was your first job?

My first job was working as a waitress at my parents’ restaurant. I was good at it and earned a lot of tips. My athletic career began to take off in my late teens, especially after winning my first title at the 2015 athletics World Championships and securing sponsorships post-2016 Rio Paralympics.

When did you first feel wealthy?

After qualifying for UK Sport funding around 2015, which provides about £28,000 a year tax-free. This allowed me to train without financial worries, supplemented by sponsorship money.

Have you ever worried about how you were going to make ends meet?

Yes, especially during university. I often had to borrow money from relatives to cover food or going out.

What has been your most lucrative work?

Television appearances have been quite profitable. The most lucrative was a Tesco social media advert for their Christmas meals, which paid about £20,000 for a couple of hours of work.

Do you invest in shares?

Not right now, but maybe in the future.

What’s best for retirement — property or pension?

Both are important, which is why I’ve started a private pension.

What has been your best business decision?

Participating in TV shows has significantly increased my exposure and social media following, making it easier to get sponsorships. Winning Celebrity Masterchef was tough but worthwhile. My mum and I hope to write a cookbook together someday.

And your best investment?

The KitchenAid stand mixer I bought for about £250. It’s great for baking, which helps me relax and serves as practice for Masterchef. I enjoy baking chocolate birthday cakes for family and friends.

What about your worst investment?

I’ve bought many dresses worn only once. My worst investment was likely a pair of £800 three-inch Valentino heels, which I rarely wear due to balance issues caused by my MS.

What’s your money weakness?

Trainers. I have over 20 pairs, although I only regularly wear five or six. I especially like Nike Air Force 1 trainers, costing between £100 and £200. I’m a bit of a Nike enthusiast!

What’s your most extravagant purchase?

I treated my mum, brother, and sister to a two-week holiday in Jamaica last year, which cost about £20,000. We stayed at the Moon Palace, and it was a memorable trip.

What’s your financial priority in the years ahead?

Saving money to upgrade to a larger home.

What would you do if you won the lottery jackpot?

I’d buy a bigger house for myself and a nice place for my mum, possibly a property in Jamaica. I’d also donate to the MS Society and St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt about money?

Money can come and go quickly, so always have some set aside for unexpected expenses.