Athletics coach Lloyd Cowan - a pivotal member of Team GB's success - has died after complications related to contracting COVID-19.
Cowan is believed to have died overnight, and understood to have underlying medical conditions.
Cowan competed in the 110m and 400m hurdles events, and qualified for the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 but could not compete due to illness.
Lloyd Cowan
Cowan received an MBE for his work as a coach of young athletes, including Christine Ohuruogu and Victoria Barr.
Ohuruogu said of Cowan's influence:
“The new breed of coaches are more like scientists but [Cowan] was one of those who saw sport as an art.
“Lloyd never went to the Olympic Games or the World Championships but he had this way of being that meant he was the only person I would listen to. Nobody could get in my head like he could.”
Many of the biggest names in British athletics paid tribute to Cowan following the announcement on Monday of his passing.
All at UK Athletics are deeply saddened by the passing of Lloyd Cowan MBE. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) January 11, 2021
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
The WORLD of TRACK lost another family member today, and it hurt more than I could have ever imagined.
RIP Lloyd Cowan . The space you left cannot be filled.
My condolences to all who knew and loved you— Linford Christie (@ChristieLinford) 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
Absolutely gutted & so sad to read the news about Lloyd Cowan.I have so many great memories of spending time with Lloyd on training camps & at champs.He always believed in me and gave me some great advice &coaching tips along the way in the hurdles. Pure passion in what he did!
— Dame Jess Ennis-Hill (@J_Ennis) January 11, 2021
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
The athletics community has lost a real one. Lloyd Cowan wasn’t just a great coach but also just a great human. It didn’t matter if you were Olympic Champ or just starting out, he was always willing to help athletes anyway he could. You will be missed dearly. Sleep easy Lloyd!
— Adam Gemili (@Adam_Gemili) January 11, 2021
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