Quotes from Denise Lewis

I obviously had my family to keep me amused and I took up golf when I retired from athletics.

Retiring can be hard but it's nice to be in a position where I can run and feel liberated doing it.

I don't like to eat a big lunch, so even if I'm working I still tend to stick to sandwiches or salad.

One of my favorite cuisines is Italian so I love visiting Italy.

I still wanted to see it officially on the scoreboard but, when it was announced 'Denise Lewis is Olympic champion,' it was just like a volcano of elation, relief and satisfaction exploding through my system.

I love babies; there was a need in me for one more.

Anything that looks at sport in its entirety is my bag. It's not just about bringing back medals, it's about communities, people's lives, how sport can make a difference.

I use a Papaya Enzyme Peel by Elemis and leave it on for ten to 15 minutes. When I rinse it off, my skin feels silky and hydrated.

When you are in a sport, there is a plan to reach for perfection in a certain week in August and it gives you a focus in life and in everything you do around it.

Halle Berry's style is simple and elegant.

I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter on my body most days.

I was part of London 2012 in the build-up and there's always drama ahead of a major championship or Games.

I love herbal teas and have quite a collection.

I don't miss competing at all.

I naturally eat well. I'm conscientious about what I'm eating.

I'm a three-meals-a-day person and I swear by breakfast - Country Crisp with raspberries.

Sydney has such a cosmopolitan feel to it. The food is great and Australians are so friendly.

When I say I gave it my all in Sydney, I really did.

Winning that gold medal in Sydney really did change my life.

For me I tried to not keep a low profile but I was training in a different country as I prepared for Sydney because I had such a realistic gold medal shot. I just wanted to stay focused and not get caught up in all of the hullabaloo and all of press prior to it.

You have to find space in your own mind to completely focus on the job at hand. That's the only way to deal with pressure. You have to be confident and welcome it.

There is a point where you have to start regaining yourself and managing your time, and your mental wellness.

It sounds precocious, but I knew that I had to listen to my own inner voice and ignore what everyone else was saying, even my mum.

I was determined to be fit during my pregnancy because I didn't know what I was going to get in terms of labour, so I wanted to be prepared for that.