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A stalwart of our sport - catching up with Lorna Boothe MBE

Whether you were an athletics fan in the 1970s/80s or are an athlete coming through today, you will no doubt have heard of Lorna Boothe MBE. An outstanding Olympian, coach, team manager and England Athletics board member, Lorna has had a tremendous impact on our sport and so we were delighted to induct Lorna into our Hall of Fame over the weekend. We caught up with Lorna after the ceremony to get her thoughts.

A special recognition

Lorna Boothe

Hall of Fame returned this year for its 15th rendition as we inducted a further eight greats of our sport. Lorna has had a significant involvement in our sport for over 50 years, from being a proud club member to competing at two Olympic Games as an athlete before supporting in Sydney as team manager. She has countless national and international medals to her name including Commonwealth silver and gold over 100m hurdles representing Team England. In 2019, Boothe was recognised in the New Years Honours for her services to Sports Coaching and Administration, receiving an MBE. We are proud to have also recognised Lorna in our 2024 Hall of Fame awards!

"It gives me a great thrill to be inducted into the Hall of Fame because I am being rewarded and recognised for something that I love. I don't do what I do to be rewarded but to get recognised for something that I love and have a passion for, it means the world to me."

Lifelong love for athletics

An Olympic athlete in her own right, Lorna has also nurtured athletes as a coach to perform at the very highest level.

"My contribution to athletics is more through the coaching side of it. I’ve coached a few athletes who have got to international level, and it gives me a great thrill to be able to do that and give back to the young people."

It was wonderful to see former athlete of Boothe, James Dasaolu present her with her award.

"Being involved in athletics at each level has its good points. Each time I have finished in one particular area of the sport another door has opened, and I have then transitioned into supporting in another way. It is difficult to have a favourite time because each stage has been very different."

Turning her attention to governing the sport

Lorna Boothe MBE at the opening of the Croydon Harriers throws cage

Having such a wide depth of knowledge and experience has helped Lorna in her position on the England Athletics board as an Elected Director. At the recent AGM, Lorna was confirmed to serve another four-year term.

"I have been at grassroots, I have been in coaching and team management and administration and so I think I have experience within a variety of sides of the sport which some of the other board members may not have. I am able to read into things and am already aware of different projects so I am able to bring a different perspective from my past experiences."

As the board's Diversity Lead and a current club person, Lorna recognises the importance of inclusion and working with clubs to create a better sport for all.

"It can be a challenge, but it is so important for clubs to engage with England Athletics because in order for the sport to move on and for us to work together, the clubs need to know more about the sport and to interact more with England Athletics."

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