$node.PillImageNode.Description

Denise Lewis, Overcoming Hurdles

Published on20 OCT 2015

Gold medalist Denise Lewis catapulted to international stardom in the heptathlon at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. During a Talks at GS session in London, the current BBC One co-host and recently named president of the Commonwealth Games England discussed sports as a great equalizer and how inner strength and determination helped fuel her rise to success.

On becoming an Olympic champion: “Everyone always asks what that feeling is like when you cross the line and you know that you've become an Olympic [champion]… You are immensely relieved that it was worth all the choices – not [just the] sacrifices, but the choices that you made.”

On her role as a media figure: “I take my responsibility very seriously… I think it’s important not only for what I stand for and represent but for the people coming behind me that there are opportunities there that you will be seen and heard and respected for the job you’re doing… From a diversity background point of view but also as a woman it’s crucial that we have that voice.”

Explore More Insights