Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?

DENISE LEWIS has been a key part of the BBC’s athletics coverage over the years, particularly at the Olympics.

But the Paris 2024 games will be her last in the Beeb studio as she has decided to step down from her punditry role.

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Denise Lewis will no longer carry out her punditry role for the BBC[/caption]

Lewis became a legendary athlete for Team GB, winning heptathlon bronze at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

She followed that up by winning gold in Sydney four years later, quickly becoming a household name.

Lewis also won two World Championship silvers, a European gold and two Commonwealth golds.

Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?

Lewis, 51, has been on our screens since 2009 but after a 15-year run she’s calling it quits.

The Birmingham-born legend is set to take up a new job as the President of UK Athletics.

The news was announced on-air in the Stade de France studio with an emotional montage on Saturday night.

Legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson handed Lewis some flowers immediately after and Jessica Ennis-Hill wished her idol all the best for the future.

Presenter Gabby Logan said: “I’m a super fan and I got to call her a colleague.

“Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.

“We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.”

Lewis said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team. Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.

“They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”