Denise Ramsden

Denise Castle (nee Ramsden) was born on the 11 February 1952 in Wakefield. While attending Stanley St Peter’s Primary School, Denise’s talent for athletics was spotted by her teachers who advocated on her behalf to her parents. As a result, at the age of just nine, Denise began training with gold medallist Dorothy Hyman. Her hard work quickly translated into success with Denise going on to win the English School’s Athletics championship for the 100m. Despite many career setbacks including a spinal injury that threatened her entire career, Denise went on to be part of the Sprint Relay team to represent Great Britain at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, yet her achievements were never fully recognised,  despite her record-breaking pace.