Five years on from the loss of Lloyd Cowan MBE, his impact on British athletics continues to grow. This week marks both the anniversary of his death and the fifth round of Bursaries created in his name. What began as a tribute to an international hurdler and globally respected coach has become a programme that helps remove barriers and gives athletes and coaches the chance to progress.
This year the fund is supporting 90% of coaches who applied and more than 100 athletes. For many, this support covers essentials that often determine whether talent can develop: travel, kit, competition fees and access to specialist coaching or equipment. The bursaries reflect Lloyd’s belief that financial pressure should never dictate who gets to stay in the sport.
To date, 530 athletes and coaches have benefitted from Lloyd Cowan Bursaries. None of this would be possible without the people who have backed the fund year after year. Every donor plays a direct role in keeping opportunities open and helping athletes and coaches push on. Their support is not abstract: it removes real barriers and allows genuine potential to develop.
We thank 2025 World Indoor Champion Amber Anning, who was coached by Lloyd, and Nike (London) for their continued support in providing recipients with kit. Our long-term partners Neuff Athletic Equipment offer all awardees a 10% discount for one year. We work alongside London Marathon Events to deliver Athletics for All, which has introduced our sport to more than 400 primary school children so far.
Lloyd’s legacy lives in the athletes he coached and the values he championed. It also lives in the community that continues to support this work, ensuring that ambition is met with opportunity.
Main photo montage: Some of LCB’s Athletes, Coaches, Marathon Runners and Events
