Denise Lewis elected UK Athletics president

Olympic champion, Denise Lewis, has been elected President of UK Athletics (UKA). Lewis, who won Heptathlon gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, replaces fellow Olympic gold medallist Jason Gardener in the role, following the completion of his terms of office.

Lewis’s appointment was confirmed at the UKA annual general meeting today (12 December), following member elections that took place between 25 September and 13 November 2023.

Two other new appointments were also confirmed at the AGM. Middle-distance runner and World silver medallist, Hannah England, has been named Vice President of UK Athletics. The appointment follows England’s previous role as the inaugural chair of the UKA Athletes Commission.

Meanwhile, Tony Shiret – Life member and former Chair of Newham & Essex Beagles Athletics Club – was elected as UKA’s Clubs’ Representative.

UKA Chair, Ian Beattie, said: “I’d like to thank all of those who took part in these elections for the UKA Members positions.

“The voting turnout was one of the most engaged in recent years and I believe that is because all those who stood are hugely respected across the sport and any of them could have taken on these roles with success.”

“Congratulations especially however to Denise, Hannah, Tony and Arwel for their successful elections. I look forward to working with them in the coming years, and UKA will benefit from the huge range of skills they will bring to the table.”