Lloyd Cowan: Former coach to Christine Ohuruogu and Andy Turner dies aged 58
Lloyd Cowan coached Christine Ohuruogu to the 400m Olympic title in 2008, and three further Olympic medals, including 400m silver on home soil at London 2012; Former athlete also guided Andy Turner to global 110m hurdles titles
Last Updated: 11/01/21 11:40am
Athletics coach Lloyd Cowan, who guided Christine Ohuruogu to the 400m Olympic title in 2008, has died aged 58.
The former athlete, who specialised in the 110m and 400m hurdles, also coached Ohuruogu to three further Olympic medals, including 400m silver at London 2012, alongside two world titles in 2007 and 2013 in the discipline.
British Athletics said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lloyd Cowan MBE. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
Cowan also guided Andy Turner to Commonwealth and European 110m hurdles titles in 2010 before world championship bronze in 2011.
Turner said on social media he was "absolutely heartbroken" by the death of his coach of 12 years, alongside a photo of the pair.
Heartbroken, absolutely heartbroken to hear that my coach Lloyd Cowan had passed away. 12 good years with this man, I owe him everything. Gutted 😞 pic.twitter.com/8hE8iz8WDb
— Andy Turner (@andyturner110h) January 11, 2021
There will never be another @cowanlloyd, truly one of a kind. Lloyd knew me better than anyone, we had some amazing times and even better stories along the way. He made such a huge impact on my life, what a sad sad day 😢
— Andy Turner (@andyturner110h) January 11, 2021
Writing on Twitter, Turner added: "There will never be another @cowanlloyd, truly one of a kind.
"Lloyd knew me better than anyone, we had some amazing times and even better stories along the way. He made such a huge impact on my life, what a sad sad day."
Cowan, who was appointed as lead sprints coach by UK Athletics in 2013, also guided Shana Cox and Bianca Williams, among several other athletes, to domestic and international honours.
He also coached his son, Dwayne, to world and European 4x400m relay bronze in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Cowan, who represented England at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2015.
The WORLD of TRACK lost another family member today, and it hurt more than I could have ever imagined.
— Linford Christie (@ChristieLinford) January 11, 2021
RIP Lloyd Cowan . The space you left cannot be filled.
My condolences to all who knew and loved you
Gutted to hear Lloyd Cowan has passed away. He was a massive personality and so helpful to so many (including myself) when coming through the ranks. Never again will I hear “Ruddy” shouted in his distinctive voice and his big smile when meeting. RIP Lloydy Lloyd
— Greg Rutherford (@GregJRutherford) January 11, 2021
RIP Lloyd Cowan MBE- always a good man, looked after me on the circuit through my youth and always there for guidance if I needed it. Best wishes to Dwayne and the rest of your family pic.twitter.com/yGpC9QLPOt
— Martyn Rooney (@MartynRooney) January 11, 2021
