“Lewisham to the World” Celebrating Olympian Alex Yee!
Alex was cheered into the arena by children from Stillness Infants, his old school. There were speeches from Alex’s childhood teacher and the sports coaches who have supported him along his remarkable journey. Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, Vicky Foxcroft MP for Lewisham North and Cllr Edison Huynh, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture paid tribute to him and there was an official unveiling of a new golden plaque.
The children then took part in team races on the track with Alex and the celebrations continued with hot drinks and cakes.
Alex himself has written “Lewisham to the World” on his Instagram bio. He was born on 18 February 1998 very close to Ladywell Arena at Lewisham Hospital and lived locally with his family in Brockley. He attended Stillness Infant and Junior Schools and first began his triathlon journey at Crystal Palace Triathletes. Alex went on to excel at running during his time with Kent AC training on the Ladywell Arena track. As a young person, Alex represented Lewisham at the London Youth Games and the national Mini Marathon, winning in the under-15 category in 2013. He was awarded bursaries from Lewisham Council to support him with travel expenses for meets and competitions and was awarded the Mayor’s Special Achievement Award at the Lewisham Sport Awards in 2012.
With two golds, one silver, and one bronze medal, Alex is now the most successful triathlete in Olympic History! He won the gold medal in the Men's Triathlon at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the silver medal in the same event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the gold medal in the Triathlon Mixed Relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and the bronze medal in the same event at the 2024 Olympics. Alex was also the 2022 Commonwealth Games Triathlon champion in both the men's and mixed team events and has finished his 2024 season being crowned World Triathlon Champion.
He was honoured with a special mural near Brockley station in 2021, designed by local artist Lionel Stanhope, which was updated this year in honour of his Olympic success to BrockYee. Alex was named as the first ever recipient of the Mayor of Lewisham’s Recognition Award in 2021, a new award given to inspiring individuals from Lewisham who have done the borough exceptionally proud and inspired others to aim high.
Alex Yee said:
“I feel a bit speechless. This lovely tribute from my local community is the first time I’ve felt this emotional since Paris and realised the significance of what I’ve achieved. I’m very honoured and it was brilliant to have so many people here, my family, coaches and teacher, who have helped me so much with my career.
“I hope that many more young people in Lewisham continue to enjoy and use this arena to follow their dreams and become the very best versions of themselves.”
Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham said:
“Today’s renaming of the Alex Yee Ladywell Arena is a tribute to his journey - a journey that began right here and has reached the highest levels of global sport. It’s also a reminder to every young person in Lewisham that greatness is within their reach, that with community support, they too can rise, and that places like this arena are where dreams begin.
“So, on behalf of everyone in Lewisham, a huge thank you to Alex for his dedication, for his triumphs, and for inspiring each of us to believe in what is possible. We hope that this arena, now bearing Alex’s name, continues to inspire many generations to come.”
Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham North said:
“We want the legacy of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics to be measured not only in medals, but also in the choices and chances available to every child. Grassroots organisations and venues – such as this very arena – have a vital role to play in ensuring every child gets those choices and chances, no matter what their background.
“I am so proud that the most successful Olympic triathlete of all time is from my constituency. As well as being a brilliant athlete, Alex is an incredible ambassador for sport and I’m sure an inspiration to many young people in Lewisham and beyond.”
Cllr Edison Huynh, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture said:
“To all the young people in Lewisham, Alex’s story is a great reminder: success isn’t about never falling - it’s about getting back up. Whether it’s in sport, school, or life, there will be times when things don’t go the way you want. But Alex has shown us that with determination, hard work, and the support of the people around you, you can overcome anything.
“This arena, now named after Alex, is a symbol of what’s possible when we dream big and never give up. It also shows the power of community—the family, friends, coaches, and local supporters who believed in him every step of the way. Alex has shown us all what’s possible and made our borough so proud.