An interview with club coach Lorraine Mulvaney to mark Stephen Lawrence Day 2025

Stephen Lawrence Day takes place today (22 April), the anniversary of Stephen’s death. It is a national moment to honour Stephen’s life, celebrate progress, challenge injustice, and empower young people to imagine their futures.

We caught up with Stephen’s Aunt, Lorraine Mulvaney, a London born volunteer club coach at Cardiff Athletics and part of the Welsh Athletics Equality and Diversity Sub-Group, about her involvement in athletics and how athletics can help drive diversity and inclusion in society. Thank you to Lorraine for taking the time to speak to us.

Could you share a bit about your connection to Stephen?

I am Stephen’s youngest aunt, a relationship that has always held a special significance for me, particularly because I am just three years older than Stephen. It would often bring a smile to my face when he referred to me as “aunty.” The loss of Stephen from our family has been profoundly devastating. My sister, Stephen’s mother, has dedicated herself tirelessly over the years to fostering meaningful changes in the realm of equality and diversity.

“The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation exists to inspire a more equitable, inclusive society and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK”.

For more information about the Foundation and its mission, please visit: Who We Are : Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation

You wear many hats in the world of athletics – coach, official, and part of the Welsh Athletics Equality and Diversity Sub-Group. Can you tell us more about your work in this space and why it’s so important to you?

I was raised in a family that deeply valued athletics, with many of my siblings actively participating in sports at both school and club level. When I became a parent, I was pleased to see that my children shared the same enthusiasm for athletics. Naturally, coaching in my spare time felt like the logical next step in my journey.

I genuinely enjoy the social aspects of athletics, and those who know me would likely describe me as someone who engages in lively conversation, often taking the time to check in on how the athletes have been doing before we begin our sessions. I believe this approach helps create a relaxed atmosphere for the entire group. The competitive side of athletics excites me immensely, from the anticipation of reconnecting with coaches from various regions at national championships to experiencing the emotional highs and lows that accompany the athletes’ performances.

It is important to me to coach the entire athlete, empowering them both mentally and physically in a nurturing and enjoyable environment as I guide them toward achieving their best. My philosophy in all my pursuits is to strive for excellence and continuously seek knowledge to facilitate the best possible outcomes. In the realm of athletics, I felt it was essential to gain a comprehensive understanding from all perspectives. This realisation motivated me to become an official (field, time keeper and photo finish) and later to contribute to the Equality and Diversity Sub Group within Welsh Athletics when it was established several years ago.

Over the years, conversations around race and racism have become more prominent. From your personal and professional perspective, have you seen meaningful change since Stephen’s murder?

In my view, racism today is significantly more nuanced than in previous years, with instances of unconscious bias and microaggression occurring far too frequently. While there are indications of meaningful change being discussed in theory, I believe it is imperative that this narrative translates into tangible changes in our environment. For instance, achieving greater diversity within organisations is a critical area where we must see actual progress.

What role do you believe sports and athletics in particular can play in driving real progress around diversity and inclusion? 

The UK has made significant progress over the past three decades, yet there remains much to be accomplished in the realms of diversity and inclusion. I believe that sports, particularly athletics, have a vital role to play in this effort. Competitively, athletics is inherently objective; it is clear who crosses the finish line first, jumps the highest, or throws the furthest, with performances being visible for all to evaluate. However, this assumes that every athlete has been afforded a fair opportunity to reach the starting line.

As the costs of training facilities and competition entries continue to rise, athletics is gradually becoming more elitist, accessible primarily to those with the financial means to train and compete. While the UK boasts a remarkably diverse array of athletes at all competitive levels, there is still more that can be done to engage with underrepresented groups.

Diversity and inclusion should not only be visible among competitors but should extend to all those who support athletes at every level, including coaches, officials, and team staff. I believe it is essential for athletes to have relatable role models, as it is often challenging to aspire to what one cannot see. Therefore, every aspect of athletics should be genuinely inclusive, with meaningful and active demonstrations of inclusivity—not merely stated in mission statements.

What would you say to young black people today who want to challenge stereotypes and build opportunities, both for themselves and for others?

To young black individuals today, I would emphasise the importance of remaining true to themselves, cultivating a positive mindset through hard work, and not being afraid to ask for support and guidance. It is vital to make thoughtful choices regarding the company they keep and to embrace their cultural differences with pride.

Most importantly, I encourage them not to conform to the roles that society might impose based on generalised stereotypes or expectations. Instead, they should set realistic goals and continually challenge themselves to believe in their capacity to achieve their ultimate dreams.

Learn more about Stephen Lawrence Foundation