Dame Denise Lewis steps down as BBC Sport pundit
Tributes have been paid to Olympic gold medallist Dame Denise Lewis after she announced she was leaving her role as a BBC Sport pundit.
West Bromwich-born Lewis will be the new president of UK Athletics. She made the announcement at the close of the athletics coverage at Paris 2024.
The 51-year-old, who won heptathlon gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, received a damehood in the King’s New Year Honours 2023.
Since retiring in 2005, she has worked as a pundit and television presenter and has been a key part of the BBC’s athletics coverage since 2009. Anchor Gabby Logan called Lewis a “brilliant person” and pundit Michael Johnson said she was a “legend”.
Speaking after the final athletics events at The Paris 2024 Olympics live on BBC One on Saturday, Lewis revealed it was her last appearance with the BBC Sport team.
“It’s a sad farewell to my team, as you know I love working with you guys,” she said to her colleagues Logan, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Johnson.
“It’s time to try and develop and help the sport that’s been so amazing to me – I wouldn’t be in this position had I not dared to dream,” she added. “It’s been a journey.”
Posting a highlight reel to Instagram on Monday, the Olympian also thanked production teams, floor managers, runners, camera crews, statisticians and her “glam squad” over the past 15 years.
“We’ve had a hoot,” said Lewis, who grew up in Wolverhampton. “Thanks for the memories.”
“I’ll still be watching my favourite sport but from a different seat. Hopefully the next seat will be cushioned,” she added.
Paying tribute on X, Logan described Lewis as a “brilliant colleague, a super human and someone I am proud to call a friend.”
“It’s not often you get people like @RealDeniseLewis in your life and I am going to miss her on our team,” she said.
Olympian Johnson added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with my good friend and legend, @RealDeniseLewis.”
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