Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?
DENISE LEWIS has been a key part of the BBC’s athletics coverage over the years, particularly at the Olympics.
But the Paris 2024 games will be her last in the Beeb studio as she has decided to step down from her punditry role.
Lewis became a legendary athlete for Team GB, winning heptathlon bronze at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
She followed that up by winning gold in Sydney four years later, quickly becoming a household name.
Lewis also won two World Championship silvers, a European gold and two Commonwealth golds.
Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?
Lewis, 51, has been on our screens since 2009 but after a 15-year run she’s calling it quits.
The Birmingham-born legend is set to return to her job as the President of UK Athletics.
The news was announced on-air in the Stade de France studio with an emotional montage just one day before the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson handed Lewis some flowers immediately after and Jessica Ennis-Hill wished her idol all the best for the future.
Presenter Gabby Logan said: “I’m a super fan and I got to call her a colleague.
“Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.
“We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.”
Lewis said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team.
“Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.
“They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”
Denise also praised her former colleagues on Instagram posting a montage of pictures.
She shared: For me it’s always about the people and over the last 15 years I’ve worked alongside some of the best.
“Thank you @colinrayjackson for guiding me through those nerve wracking first few days when I joined the BBC sport team in 2009.
“A massive thank you to the production teams, lighting & camera crews. Floor managers, runners and statisticians. Glam squad. We’ve had a hoot!
“I’ll still be watching my favourite sport but from a different seat… hopefully the next seat will be cushioned.”
Denise stepped down from the UK Athletics presidency in February 2024, after concerns over integrity were raised due to her decision to continue working as an athletics pundit for BBC Sport.
At the time she said: “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to temporarily step away from my role as UKA president – with the upcoming Olympics and a hectic summer ahead.
“I would only want to accept the role when it can have my full attention.”
Denise has been a key part of the BBC athletics commentary team since 2009, after retiring from the sport in 2005.