Diane Modahl MBE

She made history by holding the English, British and Commonwealth records and was unbeaten by any other British athlete at her specialist distance of 800 metres for six consecutive seasons.

Diane however is not only known for her medals and records. Her determination, perseverance and strength were well documented on the track but she had to muster all her reserves off the track to deal with being falsely accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs in December 1994.

It was a battle that tore her whole life apart, but one that she finally won and after being proved innocent and totally vindicated in July 1995 she went on to win another medal in the Commonwealth Games in 1998. Her strength and courage in the face of adversity has won her many fans both within the sport and outside of it.

After retiring from athletics, Diane went on to establish the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF) alongside her husband, Olympic coach Vicente Modahl, as a way of helping young people benefit from everything sport can offer.

DMSF is a registered charity that works with young people from within the top 20% areas of deprivation across the North West, using sport as a vehicle for change. Diane and her team seek to train and mentor those who have the potential to compete at the highest levels whilst also deliberately develop character and behaviours that will help them succeed in life.

Diane’s integrity in the face of sporting adversity coupled with her role as a successful businesswoman lend a passion to her speeches that serve to inspire and entertain all who listen.

In 2018 Diane was awarded an MBE for her services to sport and young people in the North West of England.