Lesley Owusu

She enjoyed most sports from netball to basketball and it was only when she was 10 when her brother and school teachers discovered she has a ‘gift’ to run fast that she decided to take up athletics and pursue her goal to be a world class international/Olympic athlete.

Sports have played an enormous role and impact in Lesley’s personal and intellectual development as a track athlete. She was a conscientious and dedicated student who excelled in the classroom but her true passion was running. Aged 13 she was selected for England, winning the 200m and at the tender age of 16 she was representing GB in the 400m.

Lesley continued to challenge herself as a sprinter setting new goals and targets each year and she won a scholarship to compete for the University of Nebraska and became one of the most decorated athletes of her decade. Highlight of her collegiate career was winning the 2001 Big 12 Indoor Championships 400m & 200m.

Lesley followed this success with silver at the NCAA Championships and a world best time and British and European record in the 600 yards and still remains the second fastest time in history. Lesley credits much of her success to her supportive family who have always encouraged her to pursue her dreams and by maintaining a strong work ethic, self motivation, drive, ambition, determination, dedication, discipline and her constant desire and hunger to achieve excellence on and off the track, which has enabled her to progress in athletics and stay focused.