Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Denise Lewis has offered a deeply personal glimpse into her life through music, revealing the tracks that inspire her workouts, bring her to tears, and even the song she envisions for her final farewell.
From Nursery School Queen to Karaoke Queen
The former athlete's musical journey began in childhood. Her first love was Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, which she recalls watching on Top of the Pops while at nursery school. She describes the experience as "chilling at first, but epic" during the famous guitar break.
Lewis's first purchased single was Anita Ward's disco classic Ring My Bell, bought for her as a gift from a record shop in Wolverhampton to play on her mother's record player.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Lewis recently tackled karaoke after a Soccer Aid event, belting out Whitney Houston's powerhouse ballad I Have Nothing. Her performance earned a standing ovation from the crowd.
Songs of Empowerment, Passion and Grief
Music has played a pivotal role in Lewis's career and personal life. She credits Whitney Houston's One Moment in Time, released during the 1988 Olympics, with fuelling her gold medal ambitions. The song, she says, embodied her feeling of being "more than you thought you could be."
For morning motivation, she turns to a far more contemporary beat: Megan Thee Stallion's Savage. The rapper's feisty and empowering anthem makes Lewis feel ready to "own" and "conquer" the day.
Conversely, Chris Martin's vocals have a very different effect. Coldplay's The Scientist is so moving for Lewis that merely thinking about the song makes her tearful, admitting she "blubbed like a baby" at a recent concert.
Party Anthems and Funeral Plans
When with friends, the ultimate party starter is Cameo's Candy, a track that prompts a well-rehearsed dance routine and a takeover of the dancefloor. However, not all classics are welcome. After five decades of festive seasons, she confesses she "can't deal" with hearing Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody in shops.
In a characteristically honest and witty reflection on mortality, Lewis stated she plans on "living for ever". But just in case, she can picture Frank Sinatra's iconic My Way "belting out" during her cremation or burial.
Denise Lewis is currently working with financial services provider Scottish Widows, focusing on a campaign to help women ensure career breaks do not negatively impact their long-term financial futures.
