Lesley Owusu

Lesley is a versatile and experienced international 400m athlete who has represented GB at World, Commonwealth and European stages.

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As a youngster Lesley had an enormous appetite for sports, she was often described as a precocious talent who was always on the run.

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.

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Lesley has been involved in sport for over 20 years and continues to compete at top level, which has given her the opportunity to be a positive leader and role model to others. Her sporting journey has enabled her to meet many wonderful people who have impacted her life and inspire her to always strive for excellence. Lesley is a huge supporter of sports and enjoys every opportunity to meet young people and share her numerous experiences.

Off the track Lesley teaches, coaches and mentors young people, using her vast experience to teach young people the rewarding benefits of sports, well being and health. She instils in people the importance of a good education, goal setting and self confidence to achieve personal goals and encourages and challenges young people to strive to be the best individual that they can be, maximising every second, minute and hour of every day. Lesley believes that young people should “Always believe that they can achieve and to live life to the fullest enjoying the activities that make you happy” Lesley has previously served as spokesperson and activist for DARE (Against Drugs Resistance Program); I’ve Got Heart to promote sports and life skills and has supported numerous community outreach programs to engage and enlighten young people.

As a motivator and Sportivator’ Lesley inspires young people through her ‘On Track to Success’ presentation. Lesley takes her audience on an incredible, uplifting voyage of self-discovery through her personal experiences of highs and lows, beating the odds and achieving success on and off the track, that will enlighten, engage, captivate, motivate and inspire any audience to prepare them on their pathway to succeed and to achieve outstanding results. Using the running track as a symbol and metaphor figuratively and literally, Lesley delivers a fascinating motivational presentation which explores and thoughtfully examines the core elements of Self Belief, Courage, Determination, Discipline, Commitment, Dedication, Challenges Perseverance, Goal Setting, Visualisation and Seeing Yourself Succeed.

Lesley believes there is nothing more rewarding and satisfying than serving others to make a positive difference in their lives and helping others believe in themselves to fulfil their fullest potential, to achieve their personal best, aspirations and dreams. “Always believe that you can achieve and be the best that you can be.”

Competitive Record

1
2001 British National 400m senior champion
2
2001 Big 12 400m / 200m champion; NCAA 400 metre silver medalist; World University 400m finalist (5th); European Junior 400m finalist (6th); Youth Olympic 200m Silver medallist; Three Time British 400m jnr champion; Three time English Schools 200m/400m Champion
3
British and European 600 yard record holder (1:17:92)
4
World Championships 2001 4x400m 5th; 2006 4x400 metres 5th
5
Commonwealth Games 2002 4x400m 2nd
1
2001 British National 400m senior champion
2
2001 Big 12 400m / 200m champion; NCAA 400 metre silver medalist; World University 400m finalist (5th); European Junior 400m finalist (6th); Youth Olympic 200m Silver medallist; Three Time British 400m jnr champion; Three time English Schools 200m/400m Champion
3
British and European 600 yard record holder (1:17:92)
4
World Championships 2001 4x400m 5th; 2006 4x400 metres 5th
5
Commonwealth Games 2002 4x400m 2nd

Lesley was brilliant and greatly enhanced the children's experience at the School Games. Her energy and enthusiasm throughout a very long day was superb, and she delivered our key messages at every opportunity.

Ed Bartam, Sussex School Games

Lesley is a true inspiration to all she meets! She adapts her talk to suit up individual needs and we wish her well with her future career.

Sarah Allen, Active Colleges Session, Cambridge Regional College

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