“Women support women; they are the bedrock of my sanity

Olympic gold medallist and TV presenter Denise Lewis talks to Rachel Dobson about success, sisterhood, persistence and patience

ave you ever dared dig out an old outfit from the back of your wardrobe and try it on? Maybe a suit from your first job interview, your wedding dress or, in the case of Olympic gold winner, Denise Lewis, your heptathlon outfit for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Lewis says: ‘It was the anniversary of the games last year and I thought it would be funny to try it on! I laid it out on the floor, noticed it looked quite small and wondered if it had somehow shrunk in the wash. When I could only just get it past my knees, I had to accept that after four children and 20 years, my body, like the rest of me, had changed. But the memories live on and I’m excited about the next chapters of my life.’ Lewis won the gold medal in the heptathlon at the Olympics, was twice Commonwealth Games champion, European Champion in 1998 and she won World Championships silver medals in 1997 and 1999. She is now an athletics pundit and TV presenter and mother to Lauryn, 18, Ryan, 14, Kane, 12, and Troy, two. Three years ago, after suffering a miscarriage, she persuaded husband Steve Finan O’connor to try for another baby – and Troy was born when Lewis was 46 years old.

AI was independent and perhaps more determined to succeed because of my background. Mum worked full-time, so I managed my time and the logistics of getting to and from training.

My children have had someone there to pick up the pieces, but perhaps I’ve done some helicopter parenting. I’ve come to realise that may not be the best thing!

My limitations have been in understanding how impactful being there all the time is – so they don’t get the chance to fail. Maybe, if I had my time again, I would do things differently as a parent.

AAre you parenting your youngest, Troy, differently?

I am! He’s been a godsend for me. Because of lockdown, I see every milestone as I watch him develop and take risks; and I see this innate ability that we all have to challenge ourselves. Babies fall, they cry a little bit and then they dust themselves off and try again. It’s been refreshing to see this resilience in him, and his sense of adventure which, in some ways, we parents might stifle as our children grow.

I hope, going forward, that I’ll let him grow from his failures, instead of catching him before he falls.

ASport and parenting are journeys of self-discovery, both emotionally and physically. You have to have patience and persistence, so I think there are a lot of parallels between the two.

You have mentioned before that you’re from a long line of matriarchs – how has that influenced you in your life?

ASadly, the men in our family in Jamaica haven’t stayed around, and those matriarchs who have kept the family together – the workers and the homemakers – have been inspiring. I think what my ancestors have shown me through their actions is that you can trust in your resolve to get things done. It runs through my DNA. My mother and grandmother have an authentic sisterhood. They know they will get through whatever life throws at them.

Absolutely! We have a strong female friendship group and we are reliant on each other for our mental wellness. Each friend has a different quality – one who is going to empower you, one who is going to agree with your standpoint, one who is a straight talker and one who is going to put their arm around you physically and emotionally.

Some of them are former athletes and I have been fortunate to also meet other amazing women from different backgrounds who are equally inspiring and will give you a lift whenever you need it. Women support women, and they’re the bedrock of my sanity.

ANo, I just love that they enjoy being active. As for being competitive, this is when I have to inhale deeply and acknowledge that my children have my DNA, but we are not the same. It used to be a frustration, but I have learned to accept that they’re just not competitive.

AHas being a professional sportsperson taught you anything about parenting?

My mother and grandmother have shown me that you can trust in your resolve to get things done. It runs through my DNA

ADo you have a sisterhood of friends too? Speaking of DNA, are your children under pressure to be sporty or competitive? Do you think being competitive is innate? Or can you enhance it?

I think you can stimulate competitiveness, but if it’s not within you, I am not sure how far you can

happy – I’d recommend it for anyone feeling low: go out for a bike ride or a walk, and it will change your mood.

AYou’ve teamed up with Next to create a range of activewear. Tell us about that…

I’m a mum who loves the high street and this opportunity to create a fitness line that is sustainable, stylish and at a great price is perfect for me. I Iive in my leggings these days and, with homeschooling, I don’t know when I’ll be able to squeeze in a session during the day, but I love setting the intention first thing in the morning that exercise will happen at some point. That’s my strategy. I can’t swear to you it always works, but at least I’m comfortable and look ready for the gym of life!

Denise’s range of activewear for Next is available from next.co.uk/women/denise-lewis-next-active