In a heartfelt revelation that has surprised the sporting world, Olympic gold medallist Dame Denise Lewis has confirmed the end of her 17-year marriage to husband Steve Finan O'Connor.
The Sydney 2000 heptathlon champion, now 51, released an emotional statement confirming the couple's decision to go their separate ways after nearly two decades together.
A Partnership That Stood the Test of Time
The former athlete and her financier husband first tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony back in 2006, creating a life together that would see them welcome three children into the world.
Their relationship had long been viewed as one of the most stable in British sporting circles, having weathered the transition from elite athletics to family life and media careers.
Focusing on Family Unity
In her statement, Dame Denise emphasised that despite the personal nature of their decision, their primary focus remains on co-parenting their children with love and mutual respect.
'While this is undoubtedly a difficult time,' she expressed, 'we are committed to maintaining the strongest possible family unit for our children.'
The couple have requested privacy during this challenging period of adjustment for their family.
From Olympic Glory to National Treasure
Dame Denise's career achievements have cemented her status as one of Britain's most beloved sporting icons. Her dramatic heptathlon victory at the Sydney Olympics, achieved while battling injury, remains one of the most memorable moments in British athletics history.
Since retiring from competition, she has become a familiar face as a BBC athletics pundit and was appointed President of Commonwealth Games England in 2017.
The news of her separation marks a significant personal chapter for the athlete who has always maintained a relatively private family life despite her public profile.
