Dame Denise Lewis: Finding the lifelong joy of movement

Dame Denise Lewis had an impressive athletics career culminating in an Olympic gold medal in the heptathlon at the 2000 Games in Sydney. Her long-term consistency at the highest level, despite injury setbacks, saw her inducted in the England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.

We recently caught up with Denise at the National Running Show to find out more about how her experience of running has changed throughout her life, from a child, to a professional athlete, to a parent.

Finding a love for athletics as a child

Every athlete's journey to Olympic gold has to start somewhere; for Denise her love of athletics began at school before she joined her local athletics club to develop her skills.

"I just loved the feeling of running and that sense of freedom that you get when the bell goes, it's breakout time, and you can just be yourself. No restrictions, just feeling free. And then, once I fell in love with running, I just wanted to put that energy somewhere, so I joined my local club and as they say, the rest is history."

Denise found a freedom in running like no other and believes it is important for more children to discover this love for the sport at a young age to help set them up for a healthy future.

"I think it's really important for young people, particularly at school age, to have all the basics. So, being able to run, being able to throw, being able to jump, these should be in your toolkit. And so, athletics gives you that and you can learn all those things in your clubs."

The skills of running, jumping and throwing developed through athletics are key fundamental movement skills that set children up for a healthy and confident future. Our funetics programme for clubs, schools or community groups helps children to learn develop and practice these skills.

"I loved Sportshall Athletics as well. That was one of my favourite things to do. It's fast, it's furious and there's something for everyone to take part in."

Learning and developing as a professional athlete

As a professional athlete, you can often face challenges and setbacks out of your control. Denise was no stranger to setbacks and injury, and even in the year leading up to her Olympic gold medal she battled injury. It was important for her to remain positive through the challenges.

"I think setbacks have always been where I get my greatest learning, because it's an opportunity for you to think about how you're going to pull yourself out of that feeling of disappointment, and soul searching. So, for me, it was like, what can I actually do today? What is going to change my mindset from feeling very negative to something positive? And it really doesn't have to be something big. It can be something small. It's either phoning a friend, changing that mind, and then once you're in a positive mindset, you can start to really do something again and go on to a better experience." 

An athlete’s support network plays a very important role in picking the athlete up from setbacks by being there to listen and offer advice. The piece of advice that Denise remembers from her athletics career and still applies today is:

"Self-development. And the advice was have fun, unlock your own potential and keep going. It's as simple as that. If you keep going at something that you're passionate about, something that you enjoy, you will stick at it. And I think my route to Olympic gold was just having the ability and the mindset to stick at it."

Discovering the freedom of running as a parent

Running was not just important to Denise whilst she was a professional athlete, but her love for the sport has continued beyond that. She continues to find the childlike joy in the freedom that running brings to everyday life.

"Running is everything. Running has given me everything as a competitive athlete, it took me on a particular journey. But even now, as a woman of 50 plus, running, walking, just being in the open space, I think there's so much mental freedom that I still get.

"So, I circle back to that child that used to love the joy of moving, of running, and that's what running gives me now. It's that freedom to just forget all my troubles, the rest of the world and just enjoy the elements, listening to my body, feeling my heartbeat. Nature is just the best."

Retiring from professional sport and becoming a parent has shifted Denise’s perspective on running, but it is as important as ever. The simplicity and freedom in being able to get out and run is what makes running an inclusive sport where everyone belongs and can flourish.

"I think my experience of running has changed because I'm no longer looking for medals. It's not about conquering the world, it's just about having my time, and I think that's the beauty of running. Just open your door and get going, it doesn't matter where you are, whether you're in the office, whether you're on holiday in the hills, you can just open your door and go. And I think it is that simple and that's why people love it." 

Have you been inspired by Denise’s love of running throughout different stages of her life?

At the National Running Show, we launched our new individual running membership, RUN:EA. For just £30 a year, this membership gives access to a like-minded sporting community, expert advice, exclusive offers, and discounted event entry. Whether you are aiming for a PB, want to explore new running trails or just enjoy the social side of running, RUN:EA is here to support you.

All the money from this membership goes straight back into supporting running at every level, from clubs across the country to getting more people involved in the sport we all share a passion for. By joining RUN:EA, you’re not just investing in yourself, you’re investing in the future of running.