Denise Lewis

Former Olympic Gold & European Champion Heptathlete

  • President of UK Athletics
  • President of Commonwealth Games England
  • First Recipient of the BESDA Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 3 x Winner of the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year

Discover Denise Lewis’s biography of published work below.

Personal Best, book cover
Personal Best

Denise Lewis is an inspiring British former athlete and accomplished high-performance speaker, renowned for her exceptional ability to motivate and empower audiences. A gold medallist in the heptathlon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she is celebrated not only for her sporting success but also for her dedication to excellence, resilience, and leadership. Denise’s speaking engagements combine her rich athletic experience with practical insights into achieving personal and professional goals, making her a sought-after voice in business, education, and sports sectors.

From a young age, Denise demonstrated a passion for athletics, rising through the ranks with unwavering determination. Born in West Bromwich and raised in Wolverhampton, she quickly made her mark in track and field events. Her breakthrough came in the 1990s when she won gold at the 1994 and 1998 Commonwealth Games. These triumphs were stepping stones to her historic Olympic victory, where she achieved a personal best of 6,831 points in the heptathlon. Overcoming injuries and challenges, Denise became a role model for aspiring athletes, embodying the values of perseverance and discipline.

In recent years, Denise has remained deeply involved in the world of sports and public life. She transitioned seamlessly into television, becoming a trusted athletics pundit for the BBC and covering events like the London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Beyond broadcasting, Denise made history again in 2023 when she was appointed President of UK Athletics, a prestigious role that underscores her continued influence in the sporting world. Her commitment to fostering talent and promoting diversity has solidified her reputation as a leader on and off the track.

Denise is widely hired as a high-performance speaker for her ability to connect with diverse audiences, blending personal anecdotes with actionable strategies for success. Her journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim resonates with audiences seeking inspiration to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. Whether addressing corporate teams or aspiring athletes, Denise’s compelling storytelling and dynamic presence leave a lasting impact, making her a powerful and engaging speaker.

Official Testimonials

Denise Lewis is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“Denise was an absolute superstar. She was so so nice and people LOVED her session. Thank you for making it happen”

Frank, Head of EMEA Marketing, Dotdigital

“Denise Lewis helped us to launch our sponsorship of London 2012 by making a motivational speech to our staff. She was an inspiration to all of us and her warmth, passion and infectious enthusiasm about the Olympics was the ideal way to start engaging our staff in this hugely exciting project. We are looking forward to a long relationship with her and are thrilled that she will be a part of our own Olympic journey.”

Chris, InterContinental Hotel Group

“The event is now complete, it went well. Our Director, Mariama, would like to send Denise a gift as a means to appreciate her for the energy she displayed in the session.”

Nsovo, Digital Technologies Leader, Mars

To enquire about Denise Lewis for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@high-performance-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0203 0070 319.