TV Presenter Gabby Logan’s Daughter Lois Diagnosed with PCOS, Shifting Athletic Focus
Renowned television presenter Gabby Logan has shared a personal update regarding her daughter, Lois, a promising showjumper. The 20-year-old has been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a chronic health condition that may influence her participation in certain high-intensity athletic pursuits.
Gabby Logan, 52, who is a familiar face on programmes like Match of the Day, revealed the diagnosis on her Mid-Point podcast. While the news of a chronic condition might typically be met with distress, Logan admitted to a sense of relief when specialists advised Lois against participating in “extreme” sports.
PCOS is a widespread hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with global estimates suggesting it impacts between 8% and 13% of women. Its symptoms are varied and can include irregular or absent menstrual cycles, increased facial and body hair, acne, weight fluctuations, and challenges with fertility.
Speaking on the podcast, Logan stated, “Lois was recently – she won’t mind me saying this – diagnosed with PCOS.” She elaborated on a consultation with a specialist, recounting, “And when we went to see the specialist, she said, ‘Really, you know, extreme running’s not great for you, Lois.'”
This medical advice came shortly after Gabby and Lois completed the London Landmarks Half-Marathon together in April 2024. Logan, a former Olympic gymnast, had described the event as “mental” due to the rigorous training involved. While she cherished the shared experience, she confessed to feeling a sense of relief upon hearing the doctor’s recommendation, exclaiming, “I just went, ‘Yes!'”
The mother of two explained that Lois had initially harboured ambitions of tackling another half-marathon with her. However, the diagnosis has necessitated a recalibration of their athletic goals. Lois has since suggested a shift to shorter distances, proposing, “She did actually want to do another half-marathon with me, but then she said, maybe we should just do some 5Ks together, mum. But [the half marathon] was such a lovely experience.”
Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
The National Health Service (NHS) defines PCOS as a long-term condition characterised by elevated levels of insulin and androgens (male hormones) in the body. Many women diagnosed with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, which elevates their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
While physical activity is generally encouraged for managing PCOS symptoms, some medical professionals advise caution regarding excessive high-intensity workouts. Research indicates that prolonged periods of intense exercise can lead to increased cortisol levels – the body’s stress hormone – which, in some individuals, may exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Consequently, moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking, often complemented by strength training, are frequently recommended as more beneficial alternatives.
Lois Logan’s Equestrian Career and Future Aspirations
Lois Logan, the twin daughter of Gabby and former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan, has been a dedicated equestrian since the age of eight. Her talent in the showjumping arena became evident early on; by 16, she had qualified for the prestigious Horse Of The Year Show. In 2022, she achieved significant success, winning two classes at the British Showjumping National Championships.
Although her mother had initially envisioned a career in tennis for Lois, the young athlete found her passion for horses after the family relocated to their Buckinghamshire home a decade ago. Lois herself has commented on this shift, saying, “My mum wanted me to be a tennis player. She was like: ‘I really, really tried, but you didn’t want to.’ Now I say to her: ‘I wish you’d pushed me harder to do tennis, because I could have been a really good player by now.'”
Currently a geography student at Loughborough University, Lois continues to compete at a high level in showjumping. She has also embraced challenging events, including the Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood in July 2025. This esteemed charity race sees showjumpers take on the role of jockeys for a day. Lois described the experience as “brutal,” noting, “I’ve always been a very sporty person, but I’ve never done anything as brutal as this. It’s been tough.”
A Mother-Daughter Journey and Personal Reflections
The London Landmarks Half-Marathon in April 2024 marked Gabby Logan’s return to long-distance running after a two-decade hiatus. She participated in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity for which she serves as president. Logan persuaded Lois to join her for this demanding challenge, and both successfully crossed the finish line together.
Despite the physical exertion, Gabby found the experience incredibly rewarding, particularly the opportunity for mother-daughter bonding. In an interview with Hello! magazine last October, she reflected on the training process: “It was so hard fitting all the training, I remember coming back from the Six Nations match in Edinburgh, and it was too dark to run outside, so I had to do 18k on a treadmill. That was a mental exercise!”
She continued, “But when we did it, it felt so lovely, doing it with her. It was tough, but again it felt like filling up that pool that needs nourishing. I think purpose is a really important and significant factor in happiness. If you lose that in midlife, you can start to lose your way.”
Gabby Logan, who represented Wales in rhythmic gymnastics at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, married Kenny Logan on July 19, 2001. The couple welcomed twins Lois and Reuben in 2005 via IVF. Their son, Reuben, has followed in his father’s sporting footsteps, currently playing professional rugby as a back-row player for Northampton Saints and having made his professional debut in September 2023.
