OLYMPIC TRACK legend Christine Ohuruogu has spoken of her sadness after the death of her coach Lloyd Cowan.

He coached with his heart and had a humility that ensured he had love and time for others regardless of their standing

Christine Ohuruogu

Lloyd, 58, was a former sprint hurdler turned coach who guided the careers of many athletes taking some of them to the highest echelons of achievement within the sport.

He had suffered from underlying health issues for several years and died last week.

As an athlete Lloyd specialised in 110m and 400m hurdles, before moving into a hugely successful career in coaching where he guided a number of athletes to the top of the World.

His work with Christine saw her achieve 400m Olympic gold and silver in 2008 and 2012 respectively as well as two World Golds (2007 and 2013). He also guided Andy Turner to Commonwealth and European 110m hurdles titles in 2010 before a memorable world championship bronze in 2011.

Christine Ohuruogu pays tribute to her mentor

Now Christine has paid tribute to the man who guided her to the very top.

She said: “A week ago, I was told the shocking news of the passing of my coach Lloyd Cowan. There has not been a moment since then where I have not thought about him. The sadness I feel is indescribable.

“Lloyd was a unique master of his craft, selfless to a fault, passionate and above all committed to his athletes. His passion for coaching was limitless.

“His energy to pass on his knowledge could not be contained. He could spend the entire day at the track coaching elite, club athletes, and school kids.

“I chastised him once for his very undiscriminating approach to coaching and he responded: ‘Chris, everyone has a dream. Who am I to get in the way of that?’

“He coached with his heart and had a humility that ensured he had love and time for others regardless of their standing. He made it his purpose to uplift and encourage at any opportunity.He was truly a rare find.

“Lloyd and I made a formidable pairing. I was always proud of Lloyd as a coach and I continue to be incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish together – our successful partnership spanned 14 years, and in that I was able to reach heights people could only dream of.

“The respect we had for each other was profound and we were team work at its finest.

“We rose and fell together, his joys and sorrows were mine and mine were his. He was a constant safe haven and I could trust him even during the most perilous of situations, where he would promise me that as long as I turned up to do the work, he will get me through.

“When he did not know how, he would use all his best efforts to find a way, such was his commitment to his role as my coach. The world was always brighter when he was around.

“He told me to walk like a champion even when I didn’t feel like it and to never drop my shoulders, my gaze or my standards for anyone.

“Without Lloyd, his guidance, coaching, love and respect I would not have been the athlete that I am and for that I am forever humbled and grateful.

“His influence and charisma was far reaching, all thoughts of Lloyd are accompanied with a smile.

“No doubt everyone will have a funny story of Lloyd and his shenaningans. Keep telling those stories, keep his memory alive. RIP Lloyd.”