Denise Lewis wins Olympic heptathlon gold

Denise Lewis has won Olympic gold in the heptathlon in Sydney, fighting through injury to claim one of the most hard-earned titles of the Games.

The Birchfield Harriers athlete scored 6,584 points over two days of competition, clinching victory in the final event, the 800 metres, on 24 September.

Pain barrier

Lewis had to overcome a painful calf and Achilles injury to win the title. She competed with her left leg strapped, and there were moments when it looked as if the injury might force her to withdraw.

But she battled on, producing strong performances in the throwing events and the long jump to build a lead. Going into the 800 metres, she knew she had to stay close to her rivals to secure gold.

She crossed the line in obvious pain, but did enough to win the title ahead of Yelena Prokhorova of Russia and Natalya Sazanovich of Belarus.

Rivals fall away

The competition was thrown open when two of Lewis's main rivals dropped out. The defending Olympic champion, Ghada Shouaa of Syria, withdrew on the first day, and the world champion, Eunice Barber of France, pulled out on the second.

That left Lewis as the favourite, but she still had to perform through the pain of her injury, and the Russian Prokhorova pushed her hard to the very end.

A golden career

Lewis, 28, was born in West Bromwich and grew up in Wolverhampton. She has been one of Britain's leading athletes for several years, winning Commonwealth gold in 1994 and 1998 and European gold in 1998. She won bronze at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

Earlier this summer she set a new British and Commonwealth record of 6,831 points in France, and came to Sydney as one of the favourites for the title.

Birchfield's pride

Her victory is a proud moment for Birchfield Harriers, the Birmingham club that has produced many of Britain's best athletes. Founded in 1877 and based at the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, the club has a long tradition of success at the highest level.

Lewis is one of Britain's star performers in Sydney, where the team is enjoying one of its most successful Olympics for many years.

A heroine's welcome

Lewis's gold has made her one of the most famous sportswomen in the country. She is expected to receive a hero's welcome when she returns home, and there is already talk of honours to come.

For young athletes in Birmingham and across the region, she is an inspiration. Clubs are hoping that her success will encourage more young people, especially girls, to take up athletics.

After the pain and drama of the last two days, Lewis can now enjoy the reward for years of hard work: an Olympic gold medal.