A Lewisham sports arena has been renamed to honour an Olympic Champion who is from the borough.

The council honoured Lewisham’s Olympic and World Triathlon Champion Alex Yee yesterday (November 26) and, to celebrate his sporting achievements, has renamed the Ladywell Arena to the Alex Yee Ladywell Arena.

Alex was cheered into the arena by children from Stillness Infants, his old school.

(Image: Lewisham Council)

There were speeches from Alex’s childhood teacher and the sports coaches who have supported him along his 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.

Alex himself has written “Lewisham to the World” on his Instagram bio.

The 26-year-old was born on February 18, 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 excelled at running during his time with Kent AC training on the Ladywell Arena track.

While young, 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. ]

He was awarded the Mayor’s Special Achievement Award at the Lewisham Sports Awards in 2012.

Alex is now the most successful triathlete in Olympic history, having won two golds, one silver and one bronze medal.

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.

Alex was named 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 the 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 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.”