[2] From an impoverished family Neil was forced to rely on charity to travel to competitions and obtain equipment.

Eventually the lack of a coach, insufficient training facilities, and having to support her family financially saw Neil forced into early retirement at just 23 years old.

Anita Neil was born in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire,[3] to an African-American father and a white English mother.

Neil’s father was a staff sergeant with the United States Army stationed in Wellingborough during World War II, where he met her mother, Florence, a local woman.

[7]:205 Neil represented England at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and won a silver medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay.

[12] Neil was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 Birthday Honours for services to athletics.