Denise Lewis features in episode 27 of Sky Sports' My Icon series
Thursday 26 October 2017 13:54, UK
Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis want to see more black females taking an active role in sport.
Birmingham-born-Lewis, who is of Jamaican descent, inspired millions by winning two Commonwealth titles during the 1990's before claiming heptathlon gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
"The initial feelings when you step into the Olympic arena representing your country, your community, representing yourself can be really overwhelming," she says in episode 27 of Sky Sports' My Icon series.
"But you remember the discipline and all the training that you've done and you try and use that energy to help remind yourself that this could be a turning point, and for me it very much was.
"Winning that gold medal in Sydney really did change my life.
"It changed how I perceived myself and I'd like to think it has enabled me to go on to experience many things that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do.
"It also allowed me to be an advocate for sport because I was very much a young person with a dream and through commitment, dedication and an overwhelming sense of passion for what I do I managed to achieve it.
"I will always encourage any young person, especially young black females. If you want to be involved in sport please do it. If you reach the heights then it's great but if you can inspire young people at school, university or as a coach, then it is a fantastic life."
Lewis talks about her journey in the latest instalment of My Icon, which premieres on Thursday at 7am on Sky Sports Mix and is available On Demand. The episode is repeated on Thursday at 12.30pm, 6pm and 7.45pm.
Coinciding with Black History Month, Sky Sports' #MyIcon campaign brings you 31 exclusive interviews with top BAME sports personalities across the month of October. For more information click here.
