In a world fascinated by celebrity children and their journeys, Emily May Owen is one name gaining increasing attention. Born into fame as the daughter of football icon Michael Owen, Emily is now carving her own path, especially in athletics. While her surname draws headlines, her own talent, drive, and accomplishments are becoming the focus. This article provides a comprehensive biography of Emily May Owen, exploring her early life, family, sporting achievements, and what lies ahead.
Early Life and Background
Emily May Owen was born on October 29, 2007, in the United Kingdom. As of 2025, she is 18 years old. She is the third of four children born to Michael Owen, a former England international footballer, and Louise Bonsall, an accomplished equestrian.
Emily grew up in a countryside estate in North Wales, where her parents have built a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle. Despite her father’s fame, Michael Owen has often emphasized the importance of normalcy and grounded values in raising his children.
Emily’s upbringing combined structure, discipline, and opportunity. Whether it was being around horses with her mother or watching her father’s football legacy unfold, Emily had a front-row seat to both sporting greatness and everyday family life.
The Owen Family A Household of Achievers
Emily is part of a talented and close-knit family:
- Gemma Rose Owen (b. 2003): Emily’s older sister, an international dressage rider and former contestant on Love Island UK (2022).
- James Michael Owen (b. 2006): Her older brother, known to have a rare eye condition called Stargardt disease, affecting his central vision.
- Jessica Owen (b. 2010): Emily’s younger sister, who is still in school and largely private.
Her father, Michael Owen, needs no introduction. A former Ballon d’Or winner, Michael scored over 150 Premier League goals and earned more than 80 England caps. Post-retirement, he became a pundit and racehorse owner. Emily’s mother, Louise Bonsall, is also deeply involved in equestrian sports and horse welfare.
Education and Early Interests
Although specifics about Emily’s school are not publicly disclosed, it’s widely known that the Owen children were educated at reputable private schools in Cheshire. Emily is believed to be excelling both academically and athletically.
From a young age, Emily showed a keen interest in sports, particularly in track and field events. While her siblings leaned toward football and equestrianism, Emily discovered her passion in sprinting. Her early performances in local competitions demonstrated not just potential but an unteachable spark of raw athleticism.
Athletic Career and Achievements
Despite her young age, Emily May Owen has already built an impressive athletic portfolio in track sprinting events. Her preferred distances include 60m and 100m sprints.
Key Achievements
- 🥇 1st Place – North of England U15 60m Indoor Sprint (2022)
- 🥈 2nd Place – North England Athletics Championship (2021)
- 🏅 6th Place – UK U15 National Championships (2021)
- Finalist in the England Schools Athletics Championships (2021), despite being younger than most competitors
- Named County Champion in the U15 100m category (2022)
These results show that Emily is more than just a “celebrity child.” She’s demonstrating drive, commitment, and natural speed. Her times continue to improve, and she has begun attracting attention from youth athletic scouts and coaches in the UK.
Her father has proudly shared her achievements on social media, calling her a “speedball of a daughter” and praising her “natural gift of acceleration.”
A Legacy in the Making Carving Her Own Path
The question many ask is: Will Emily follow in her father’s football footsteps? The answer appears to be no at least not directly.
Emily seems determined to forge her own identity, not as a footballer’s daughter but as an athlete in her own right. In a 2023 Instagram post, Michael Owen shared a video of Emily winning a sprint race with the caption:
“So proud of this one. A proper athlete in the making.”
Unlike her sister Gemma, who has embraced public life through reality TV and equestrian competitions, Emily has remained more reserved and focused on athletic development.
That level of self-possession is rare in someone so young especially with cameras often ready to capture any move she makes.
Personal Traits and Values
Those who’ve met or worked with Emily describe her as:
- Focused – Whether it’s training, school, or competition, she gives her full effort.
- Disciplined – A necessary trait for track athletes, especially sprinters.
- Private – She keeps a low public profile and does not use social media extensively.
- Supportive sibling – She is said to have a strong bond with her siblings, particularly with James, who faces vision challenges.
Emily’s values reflect the Owen family philosophy: Stay grounded, work hard, and let actions speak louder than fame.
The Challenges of Growing Up Famous
While Emily has accomplished a lot already, being born into the spotlight brings challenges:
- Constant comparisons – Living up to the expectations of being Michael Owen’s daughter isn’t easy.
- Media pressure – Every success or failure can be magnified in the public eye.
- Balancing privacy and recognition – Unlike influencers, Emily does not seek the spotlight, which makes her genuine achievements stand out even more.
Michael Owen has acknowledged the difficulty of raising children in the limelight. In interviews, he’s said:
“My kids have to deal with people constantly expecting something from them just because of who I am. That’s unfair they deserve to be known for who they are.”
Future Outlook What’s Next for Emily May Owen?
With her 18th birthday arriving in October 2025, Emily is entering adulthood. So, what’s next?
Possible Paths:
- 🎓 University or Sports Scholarship – Based on her performance, Emily could pursue higher education with a focus on sports science, kinesiology, or even psychology.
- 🏃♀️ Professional Athletics – With proper coaching, Emily could aim for Team GB representation in future youth Olympics or national championships.
- 🧘♀️ Youth Mentorship – Given her story, Emily could become an advocate for young athletes who want to thrive without relying on family fame.
Whatever direction she chooses, Emily May Owen appears destined for success not because of her name, but because of her dedication and ability.
Final Thoughts
Emily May Owen is a name many associate with her legendary father, but she’s well on her way to building a legacy of her own. Her quiet dedication, notable performances in youth athletics, and strong family values set her apart in a generation often distracted by fame for fame’s sake.
Her journey reminds us that greatness doesn’t always come from headlines or hype sometimes, it comes from the silent grind, the personal bests, and the desire to be something more than expected. As Emily continues to grow, one thing is clear: she isn’t just following in anyone’s footstep she’s leaving her own track marks behind.
