Lesley-Ann Skeete - double Olympian

In 2001 Swindon Borough Council named a new housing project in Park South - Lesley-Ann Skeete Court in recognition of Swindon’s own double Olympian.

Born in Sydenham in 1967, Lesley-Ann grew up in Swindon. During the mid 1980s she attended Millfield School in Street, Somerset, well known for its sporting achievements. Former OM Olympians include, along with Lesley-Ann, swimmers Duncan Goodhew and Mark Foster and long jump Gold Medalist Mary Rand. Millfield has eight former pupils confirmed for the upcoming London Olympics.

a young Lesley-Ann Skeete

Lesley-Ann first competed as a 60 metre hurdler, but was tipped for the top when she retained the senior girls' 100 metres hurdles title, beating the 1.37 record set by Sue Homstrom in 1974 with her 13.5 time. Lesley-Ann went on to win a raft of awards including the UK Championship 100 metre hurdles title in 1987 winning it again in 1991. And in 1990 she won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand coming in just .19 of a second behind Sally Gunnell.

In 1988 Lesley-Ann was a member of Team GB in the Seoul Olympics and she took part again in the 100 metre hurdles in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

Lesley-Ann retired from competitive athletics in 1993, but continued to be involved with Swindon Harriers. She still lives in the local area and last month was guest at the Swindon Walcot and Parks Community Group Jubilee celebrations where she presented prizes in the beat the clock to erect a tent event.

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