Denise Lewis resigns from UK Athletics post over concerns over divided loyalties to BBC job

Denise Lewis succeeded Jason Gardner as UKA President in December. Photo: Getty Images/Michael Steel

Dame Denise Lewis has resigned as President of the United Kingdom. The UK Athletics president answers questions about balancing the role with her pundit work for the BBC.

The 2000 Olympic heptathlon champion is expected in the BBC studios in Glasgow this weekend for the World Athletics Indoor Championships premises, and she announced on social media that she would temporarily step down from her role at UKA.

Lewis succeeded Jason Gardner as UKA president only in December in a role that, although largely ceremonial, involves the chairmanship on the board of members, and her victory followed a large turnout in the election of members of the organization.

The decision was explained in reference to «the turbulent summer ahead» but questions were asked whether Lewis, who is a long-time BBC pundit, would be able to combine a television role, which could involve criticizing athletes, coaches and administrators, with such a job. important position within UKA.The governing body has been hit by the financial crisis in recent years, as well as huge internal turmoil and turnover of key staff.

Only last week Guy Learmont, the Scottish 800m runner, launched a pointed attack on the current administration. after his absence from the World Cup, saying the sport was «falling apart» and highlighting the «constant cycle of new coaches and new directors» but a lack of commercial and broadcast income.

The BBC folded. she has her own £3 million UKA contract in 2020 and has previously come under fire over perceptions she is too positive in her coverage at a time when the sport faces serious challenges.

With the Paris Olympics approaching, Lewis announced on Insta Stories that she would be stepping back from her UK role. “I have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily step back from my role as UKA President due to the upcoming Olympics and a hectic summer,” she wrote. “I would only like to accept this role when it can get my full attention.”

UKA has not commented on Lewis's statement.