Passion and compassion drives Owusu to great lengths

Triple jumper Desleigh Owusu has not only set herself the challenge of being an athlete who inspires others to follow her lead, but after last week’s graduation ceremony at Macquarie University she’ll eventually dedicate her working life to protecting societies most vulnerable people. 

Owusu, who as an 18-year-old recorded Australia’s fourth longest triple jump by a woman when she competed at the 2019 under-20 Oceania Championships, has completed her Bachelor of Social Science degree and she plans to use it to one day help women and children who need her assistance. 

“I want to work with women who are affected by domestic violence or children in care,” said the 24-year-old who grew up in the western Sydney suburb of Blacktown. 

“Growing up where I did meant you saw things from a young age. I’ve always had a soft spot for people who need help, and [following that path] is also my way of giving back.” 

However, before focusing her electric-like energy on her working career, Owusu – who currently works as a Human Resource coordinator in the disability support sector, specialising in fostering inclusive environments for individuals, including children – conceded she wants to achieve a series of athletics goals. 

“It’s hard for me to [dedicate myself to that profession] at the moment due to my schedule,” said Owusu, who is also often in demand to model in high profile advertising campaigns.  

“If I’m not training, I’m travelling around Australia and competing. It wouldn’t be fair for me to start a job like that [only to travel to compete] because people in that relationship need to work with someone who is stable and there for them. 

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“So, I’ll put that on hold until at least the World Championships in Tokyo and then the World University Games [in Berlin] later this year. I’ll re-evaluate after that.” 

However, Owusu, who boasts Ghanan heritage, will continue with her efforts to be a role model for young Australians, especially those of African descent, by optimising her extraordinary talent along with the opportunities she enjoys on-and-off the field of competition. 

“One hundred percent I think I’m making inroads,” said Owusu when asked if she believes she’s inspiring the next generation. 

“Younger me would definitely have loved to see where I am right now – especially for my little cousins who play football for the [Western Sydney] Wanderers. It’s amazing to be doing what I wanted to do. 

“It was hard growing up . . . not just for me, but people from the western suburbs . . . to make a name for themselves, and that could be very disheartening. 

“And it is true. If you don’t see people achieving things who look like you or are people who you can relate to, well, you’re left feeling deflated. You think to yourself ‘how am I going to get there if no-one else can do it?’ 

“So, I try to make a point when I speak to kids. I say: ‘I look like you and I can relate to you. That means, you can do it. I tell them they can do whatever they put their mind to. 

“I know that might sound cliché, but as long as you’re consistent you can do anything. And, yes, you will have setbacks, but if you remain focussed and keep working, you will get there. 

 Owusu is one of a growing number of Australian athletes with African heritage making their mark in Track and Field.  

Besides Owusu, who won a gold medal at the 2023 Pacific Games gold medal, Queensland teenager Gout Gout has established himself as a superstar in the making through his efforts in the 100 and 200m sprint events; Western Australia’s triple Olympian Peter Bol finished fourth in the 800m event at the Tokyo Games; Joseph Deng holds the Australian 800m record; Yual Reath has won the national high jump title, while Gman Paye (400m), Ifeanyichukwu Okiwelu (sprinter), and Jesuye Doherty (long jump) are among those who have impressed at junior level. 

 “I think it is changing, but there still isn’t enough of us out there – especially in Track and Field,” said Owusu, who trains alongside men’s Paris Olympic triple jump finalist Connor Murphy as a member of Andrew Murphy’s Sydney Olympic Park-based squad.  

“I think there has been Black athletes in basketball, and I’ve seen a few women in netball. We are making our way, but there is a lot more that can be done.  

“There is so much talent in the western suburbs. We have the athletics track here at Sydney Olympic Park, but if you’re 12, 13 or 14 and your parents are working you can’t get here [so there’s a need for more facilities out west].” 

Owusu has never needed to look too far for inspiration. Her father’s cousin, Lesley Owusu, represented Great Britain as a 400m runner at World, Commonwealth and European stages, while another cousin, Lloyd, was a professional footballer in England with a number of teams including Sheffield Wednesday. He also played in four internationals for Ghana before moving to Australia where he played for Adelaide United and other teams. 

“My siblings are quite sporty, and athleticism comes naturally to us,” she said. “When I was younger, I found it fascinating my dad’s cousin’s name was Lesley and mine was Desleigh [laughs] but that was just a coincidence. 

“But, through their achievements [my relatives] showed me they’re of my own and they made it. I thought to myself: ‘if they can do it, so can I’.”   

Owusu, whose raw ability ensured she starred as a schoolgirl athlete without formal coaching, is adamant triple jump – arguably the toughest of all athletic disciplines – chose her. 

“It chose me,” she said ahead of the National Athletics Championships in Perth. “I was just good at triple jump, so I stuck to it. 

“[When I recorded Australia’s fourth longest triple jump at 18] it didn’t change my approach to the sport. I always knew I could do it; it was just a matter of actually doing it. I’ve been able to get my name out there, and now I can say to other people ‘look at me’ [laughs]. 

“My immediate goal is to PB this season. I want a big PB, but I won’t put any numbers to it. I want to get to the world championships, – and I want to be happy and healthy.” 

Story: Daniel Lane, NSWIS 

Portrait: Rachel Tingey, NSWIS