Born: 27/08/1972
Height: 1.73m
Weight: 64kg
Event: Heptathlon

A superb all-round talent, Denise has progressed to the highest world-class at the heptathlon, with the culmination to date being her Olympic gold medal in Sydney.

She had an operation on her right calf after Seville and in 1999/2000 had a recurrence of a long-term shoulder injury. Her preparations were thus affected, but she had a terrific performance at the Decastar multi-events meeting on 29-30 July at Talence, France, where she added 95 points to her British and Commonwealth record for the heptathlon.

In Sydney the recurrence of an Achilles injury meant that she was doubtful of finishing the heptathlon, but she showed great courage to do so and earn a hugely deserved gold medal with individual marks of 13.23 (100mh), 1.75 (HJ), 15.55 (shot), 24.34 (200m), 6.48 (LJ), 50.19 (JT), 2:16.83 (800m). After an interrupted season, with some good form at individual events, she was unable to contest the heptathlon at the World Championships in 2001 through injury.

Awarded the MBE in the 1999 New Year Honours. Daughter Lauren born to her and partner Patrick Stevens (Belgian sprinter) in April 2002.