Denise Lewis, the Olympic champion who made history in Sydney back in 2000 with her gold medal in the heptathlon, has surprised fans with a bold new move.
At 53, the sporting icon has traded her BBC punditry chair for a glamorous photoshoot, stepping into the world of luxury lingerie with striking confidence.
Leaving the Commentary Box Behind
For more than a decade, Lewis was a familiar face in BBC’s athletics coverage.
But after last summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, she decided it was time to step away from the pundit role.
While she hasn’t ruled out a return in the future, right now she’s embracing a new chapter—one that highlights her personal growth and evolving confidence.
Stepping in Front of the Camera
In her latest venture, Lewis teamed up with lingerie and wellness brand Coco de Mer.
Instead of the sports kit she’s been photographed in for most of her life, she posed in black silk, lace bras, bodysuits, suspenders, and camisoles.
The mother of four admitted it was her very first lingerie shoot, but said it felt like a celebration of her journey and her body.
A Message of Empowerment
Speaking to The Times, Lewis explained that the shoot wasn’t just about fashion—it was about reclaiming identity and strength.
“It’s celebrating my body, because I’ve worked for it,” she said.
For her, being in her fifties is liberating, a chance to challenge old expectations of women needing to be soft, quiet, or defined only by roles like “mother” or “working woman.”
A Touch of Athletics in the Glamour
Even in this sensual new project, Lewis made sure to nod to her athletic roots.
The photoshoot featured props like a javelin, hurdle, and even a shot-put, echoing the events she once dominated.
It was a reminder that her competitive spirit and sporting history remain a core part of who she is.
Personal Struggles and Strength
Lewis’s life off-camera has not been without challenges.
Reports last year suggested she and her husband, music executive Steve Finan O’Connor, had separated, with him moving out of their Buckinghamshire home.
Both were deeply affected by the passing of Liam Payne of One Direction—someone close to the family and managed by Steve.
Breaking Barriers in Broadcasting
Beyond her sporting success, Lewis has also been a trailblazer in broadcasting.
As one of the first Black female pundits on the BBC, she faced criticism and had to grow into her role, building resilience along the way.
She pointed to the backlash faced by fellow female commentators like Alex Scott as proof of how tough the space can be for women.
Embracing a New Identity
Lewis, now president of UK Athletics, sees this new direction as more than just modeling.
It’s a statement of resilience, strength, and femininity—proof that women can evolve and thrive at every stage of life.
“This will be the new me,” she declared, determined to inspire others to hold on to who they are while embracing new possibilities.