A team GB Olympics coach and former coach to Christine Ohuruogu, Lloyd Cowan has passed away of suspected Covid-19, aged 58.
Cowan represented England in the 110m hurdles at the 1994 Commonwealth Games before becoming a coach.
Cowan coached Ohuruogu to Olympics title in 2008, 400m silver at London 2012 and 4x400m relay bronze in 2008 and 2016.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lloyd Cowan MBE,” a UK Athletics statement said.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Cowan also guided England’s Andy Turner to Commonwealth and European 110m hurdles titles in 2010 and coached his son Dwayne, who won a 4x400m bronze at the 2017 World Championships.
Britain’s former Olympic 100m champion Linford Christie said on Twitter: “The world of track lost another family member today, and it hurt more than I could have ever imagined.”
Tribute continue to pour in as world 200m champion, Dina Asher-Smith, said Cowan had changed so many people’s lives. “Today is a very sad day for our community,” she wrote on Twitter. “Heartbreaking news. God bless you Lloyd. You changed so many people’s lives, brought light and laughter to even more. We were so blessed to have known you and to have been a part of your story. Such a wonderful, generous and hilarious man.
“There aren’t enough superlatives and we will miss you so, so much. Champs will never be the same. My mum often left him ‘in loco parentis’ on my early trips as a senior. My thoughts are with his family, friends and of course his athletes at this tough time.”
The 400m runner Martyn Rooney, who ran with Cowan’s son Dwayne in their relay triumphs, added: “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.”
Turner said he was “heartbroken” and triple-jumper Nathan Douglas described Cowan as “an inspiring soul”.
Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill said she was “absolutely gutted”, adding “he always believed in me”.
