During the early years there is always one teacher with whom you can really identify. You have a certain bond. For me, that teacher was Mrs Koslovski. I went to Woden infant and junior school in Wolverhampton and she was my English teacher. An attractive Polish lady with auburn hair and a smooth voice, she taught the third year juniors. I was absolutely mesmerised, particularly by the way she wrote. Her handwriting was really classy, as if her style mirrored her looks. For years I actually signed my name copying the fancy way she wrote her Ds. Her writing really stood out, just like Mrs Koslovski did.

English was my favourite subject, probably because of her initial influence and the good relationship we had. School is such an important phase of life and you are away from home for a large part of the day. Having someone with whom you can talk and form an attachment can really help you to enjoy the day.

Regis school in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, was my secondary school. A memorable teacher there was another English teacher and my form tutor, Mr Simms. A rather unusual man, well-spoken with a big beard and glasses, he was tall and quirky. Mr Simms used to crack me up as he had such odd mannerisms, yet he was a real disciplinarian.

Once, at registration, as I bounced through the door late and took my seat, he noticed my leather wrist and neckbands alongside my longish earrings (I was a big A-Ha fan in those days). “This get-up may be very nice,” he uttered, “but sometimes in life you have to realiseI the less the more!” Those words, for some reason, have stuck with me.

There were a few times when I got into trouble at school, but nothing major. I remember once in a French lesson I was caught playing blackjack with friends. We all had to stand up and say sorry. Fortunately, after confessing to the head of department, the matter was dropped. I didn’t fancy explaining that to my mum.

Miss Chesney was another unforgettable lady. A small science teacher with very short grey hair and bifocals, she was always slightly hunched over. She took my first lesson at secondary school, and I was so nervous as she came across as cold as ice. Making you stand in the corner if you were naughty, one of her favourite lines was, “The door is yours! Get out!” Miss Chesney was a legend throughout Regis and her classes were always quiet.

In complete contrast, Miss Sullivan was a dream. She was my biology teacher and it was probably through her that I became interested in the workings of the body and healthy living. Everyone loved her. She had a blonde bob, a soft voice and explained things so clearly.

At high school, I was already heavily involved with athletics. During the first and second year, I was a member of the Wolverhampton and Bilston athletic club. Miss Leigh at this time was a real inspiration. She spotted my talents early on and helped to take me through the system from competing at school up to county level and beyond. She was very instrumental in my development. If we had trouble getting a lift, she used to drive us to competitions. She was very encouraging although she probably found my stubborn streak and dislike of long-distance running quite frustrating.

I really did have some great teachers. I was very lucky. Teachers are amazing, but the funny thing is, you just don’t realise that until you leave.

Athlete Denise Lewis was talking to Paula Barnett

THE STORY SO FAR

1972 Born, West Bromwich

1977 Attends Woden primary, Wolverhampton

1983 Attends Regis secondary (now the King’s school), Wolverhampton

1994 Wins gold medal in the heptathlon (200m, 800m, 100m hurdles, high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put) at Commonwealth Games in Canada

1996 Wins heptathlon bronze at Atlanta Olympics

1997 Wins silver at World Championships in Athens

1998 Wins gold at European Championships and Commonwealth Games

1999 Receives MBE

2000 Wins gold at Olympics

2001 Receives OBE. Personal Best: the Autobiography of an Amazing Woman (Century pound;16.99) is published