Lloyd Cowan MBE Biography

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The global outpouring of grief when news spread of Lloyd Cowan's death was a testament to his impact on the sport of athletics. He was one of the most popular and successful coaches and widely regarded as an inspiration to many. 

 

As an athlete, Lloyd was one of the nation's top sprint hurdlers. Aged 22, he was selected to compete at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games but had to pull out due to injury. Ten years later, whilst working full-time at Southwark Council, he was thrilled to receive the call to represent England at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria in the 110 metre hurdles. 

 

At 39, Lloyd finally put away his sprint spikes and made a move into coaching. And it was as a coach that he reached dizzying heights. He guided Christine Ohuruogu, Britain's most successful female track and field athlete, to 400m Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008, to Olympic silver on home soil in London 2012, and to two World titles and a Commonwealth gold, as part of her 20 international championships medal haul. Lloyd also coached Andy Turner to Commonwealth and European 110m hurdles titles and a World bronze.

 

Lloyd’s successful squad of athletes included many national and age group champions and international relay medallists. However, it was the accomplishments of his son, Dwayne, that made him most proud. In 2017 Dwayne established himself as a top 400m runner. He won the individual event at the European Team Championships. Then at the World Championships in London that same year, and the European Championships in 2018, helped Great Britain & Northern Ireland capture a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay.

 

In 2016 Lloyd set up Calco Athletics with his great friend, fellow coach and ex-international athlete, Clarence Callander. Their aim was to nurture the next generation of athletics talent. This dream was already being achieved at domestic and international age group and junior level.

 

Lloyd's style of coaching was deeply intuitive. His passion for excellence and commitment to athletes, whether or not he coached them, was legendary. He was known for his larger than life personality and for having the biggest heart. 

 

His athletics legacy is outstanding and was built on wanting all athletes to achieve their potential, and inspiring them to believe they could. 

 

Lloyd Cowan, 58, died unexpectedly in January after contracting COVID-19. He is missed by his beloved family, his many friends, and all the athletes whose lives he so positively impacted.

 

Lloyd Anthony Cowan 8th July 1962 – 11th January 2021

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“The Athletics community was lucky to have Lloyd. He was honestly a great person. I don’t think there are enough superlatives to describe him. I was so fortunate to have known him. When I was younger, my mum used to leave Lloyd 'in loco parentis' when I went away to senior trips, on the odd occasion my personal coach wasn’t there - a testament to how much so many trusted and valued him! 
 

Lloyd' wealth of knowledge and experience will be sorely missed. Famously, he contributed multiple times to Olympic and World Championships success, but one of the reasons he was held in such high regard by the Track community was his ability to spot and nurture upcoming athletes. He always knew just the right words to say to a wide-eyed budding talent before they raced and always tried his very best to make sure they realised their potential - whether he was directly coaching them or not, Lloyd genuinely cared. The Lloyd Cowan Bursary is a perfect way to continue his legacy.

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Young people need support to be able to pursue their dreams and realise their potential. We all love to see the success stories at a senior level on the international stage, but the journey starts far younger and it’s these kinds of schemes that enable young athletes to thrive. Lloyd gave his support through his time, words and wisdom. 
 

This Bursary is a fantastic way to not only honour his own work, but ensure that young athletes will continue to be supported in his absence.

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Dina Asher-Smith,

Team GB Olympic medallist and British record holder - 100m and 200m