Lesley took up athletics when her older brother noticed she could run faster than other girls at school. Soon afterwards she joined her local athletics club and was encouraged by her family and school teachers to keep up the training.
At just 13 Lesley won her first 200m England junior international race and at 16 was selected to compete for the senior international team. Lesley has accomplished some fantastic achievements throughout her career. As a junior athlete she won a silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games (200m) and was English Schools Champion and National Junior Champion three times. At senior level she ran the second fastest time in history over 600 yards, setting a British and European record.
Sport played an enormous role in Lesley’s personal development. Raised in Ghana, Lesley’s multi-cultural background meant she felt a sense of isolation when she came back to England as she could not speak the language. She experienced bullying, prejudice, body image issues and low self-esteem as a young child and used sports to channel her energy, strengths and talents on and off the track into developing a fighting spirit to succeed.
Lesley continues to train and compete at top level and became World Masters Indoor 400m champion in Budapest in 2014, also helping the GB team set a world record in the Over-35s 4x200m relay.
On her appointment as an Athlete Mentor Lesley comments: “Sky Sports Living for Sport is an excellent and unique initiative which understands the core values and benefits of sports. With the support of a range of sporting elites from diverse backgrounds, young people can and will set goals, increase their attainment and achievement, as well as developing their confidence and life skills.
“I am passionate about making a positive difference in young people’s lives and helping them to fulfil their potential. I strongly believe that these students can shape and define their own success through hard work and dedication.”
Sporting Achievements:
- World Masters Champion
- Multiple Indoor Champion
- British Champion
Follow Lesley on twitter