Denise Lewis: ‘The progress for mums in elite sport is amazing – but I found it really triggering’

Olympians are often perceived as superhuman, but Denise Lewis reminds us of their vulnerabilities. Joining our call slightly late, she immediately dives into discussing the mental health challenges athletes face, particularly after retirement.

Denise, a former heptathlete and Olympic gold medalist, now dedicates time to supporting newly retired athletes, aware of the mental health risks during this transitional period. She reflects on her role with the BBC’s Olympic broadcasting team, where she often advises athletes on mental well-being—a stark contrast to her own experience in the 90s and 00s when emotional transparency was rare in sports.

A pivotal moment for mental health in sports was Simone Biles' decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics. Denise sees this as a significant step towards athletes expressing their mental health needs openly, a refreshing change from her own career days.

Denise’s journey is one of endurance and resilience. Post the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she faced a severe foot injury and soon after, the challenges of motherhood. With her support system mainly consisting of her mother and some NHS staff, she navigated her way back to peak performance.

Returning to competition 15 months after giving birth was daunting. Competing in the World Championships in Paris, she felt nervous and unsure, a stark contrast to the celebrations seen today when mothers return to high-level sports.

Processing these experiences has been a gradual journey for Denise. Over recent years, discussions around mothers in sports have triggered emotions, forcing her to reflect on a time when support was minimal. However, she acknowledges progress, with better pregnancy guidance and evolving support systems for female athletes.

Denise’s experience and advocacy are invaluable. She sees every generation pushing the boundaries further, improving conditions for the next. Her first self-help book, "Adaptability," set to be published in March, encapsulates her journey and desire to help others.

Balancing motherhood and a career, Denise emphasizes the importance of self-care, including a healthy lifestyle, microbiome nurturing, and self-advocacy. Communicating her desire to continue working post-pregnancy at 46 was crucial, ensuring she remained active in her career.

Navigating the different needs of her children at various stages is a challenge. Denise notes the generational shift in perceptions of hierarchy, with modern children expecting mutual respect.

Reflecting on her pregnancy at 46, she felt physically similar to when she had her first child. While this may not resonate with everyone, it underscores the notion that Olympians, though often seen as superhuman, face the same life challenges as everyone else.