The European Athletics Championships have officially begun in Birmingham, with Dame Denise Lewis, president of UK Athletics, expressing her deep personal connection to the event. The former Olympic and European heptathlon champion, who trained on the Alexander Stadium track as a young athlete, described the city as "home" and voiced her hopes that the seven-day competition will inspire a new generation of athletes and volunteers.
A homecoming for a champion
Lewis, 53, grew up training at Alexander Stadium, the venue now hosting the first-ever European Athletics Championships on British soil. Reflecting on her memories, she recalled, "There used to be a little spot not too far from here where I used to have my little cat naps before my training sessions." Her bond with the facility runs deep: "This track, this facility, means the world to me. To see its evolution, its growth, and what we look out on today gives me a great sense of pride."
That pride extends beyond her personal history to the city itself. "It's not just about my pride, it's the pride of Birmingham. Finally we're hosting the European Athletics Championships, which just shows the growth and the aspiration," she added.
Inspiring the next generation
Lewis was crowned European champion in 1998 and claimed Olympic gold in 2000, becoming a figurehead for British athletics. Now, as the championships unfold in her hometown, she aims to inspire the next wave of athletes. "Hopefully, by the end of these seven days, that inspiration and that impact of what sport can do, particularly our sport, will resonate, and everyone will leave here feeling amazing," she said.
The event features some of Europe's top competitors, with Lewis noting, "We've got some of the world's best athletes here, some names that we all know, some new ones emerging, but Europe is strong again, and we are proud to have them here."
Legacy and impact beyond the track
Lewis also highlighted the broader significance of the championships, particularly in supporting a future UK bid for the 2029 World Championships, with London's submission already in. She emphasized the shift from "legacy" to "impact," saying, "We use the word legacy a lot and we always think 'what does it actually mean?'. But I think now it's more prevalent to talk about impact, and that's impact with ticket sales; being able to say you were there for 'that moment'."
She hopes the event will encourage people to think differently about their health and well-being and to get involved in athletics at all levels. "There'll be one young person, maybe several, thinking 'I'd like to be part of this'. And volunteers, as we know the sport struggles with volunteers," she added. "We hope people want to get involved at every level, so for me, that would be the impact. That will be memorable, and hopefully we can look forward to hosting even more championships."
Support from partners
The championships are supported by Novuna, the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. Novuna backs the ambition of millions across the UK, from supporting businesses and individuals' plans to powering British Athletics on the global stage.
