Ayo Akinwolere

A highly versatile presenter, Ayo works across sport, journalism, and documentary storytelling. In 2023, he became host of The Athletic FC Podcast, a flagship show for The Athletic and The New York Times, which went on to win Sports Podcast of the Year at the 2024 British Podcast Awards.

Ayo began his broadcasting career on Blue Peter, making history as the show’s first Black male presenter. During his time on the programme, he received multiple Children’s BAFTA nominations and developed the approachable, insightful style that defines his work today. He later moved into current affairs, presenting Inside Out in the West Midlands, where his first documentary won an RTS Award, followed by the BBC Ruby Award for Programme of the Year.

He is now a familiar face in sports broadcasting, having presented live rugby for Channel 4, co-hosted The Big Tackle, and contributed to Football Focus and The Premier League Show. He also spent three years hosting the Europa League for CBS USA’s Golazo and was part of the BBC’s Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games coverage, which received an RTS Award for Best Sports Programme.

Ayo currently hosts Premier League Today for Premier League Productions and continues to work across major sporting events for Channel 4, Amazon Prime, and the BBC.

Beyond presenting, Ayo is a producer and co-director at MilkFirst Productions, creating original, meaningful media content. He has also hosted Why I Run, a global podcast developed with Red Bull and Wings for Life, exploring motivation, resilience, and personal challenge.

In 2011, Ayo achieved an extraordinary personal milestone, becoming the first person to swim across the Pilau Trench, one of the deepest stretches of ocean on Earth — a testament to his determination and mental resilience.

Alongside his media career, Ayo is deeply committed to social impact. He serves on the BAFTA Film and Television Awards jury, is an ambassador for Crisis UK, supports Street Child United, and mentors young people through The Prince’s Trust.

As a speaker, Ayo brings credibility, clarity, and genuine insight, sharing lessons on leadership, performance under pressure, resilience, and purposeful communication. Whether on stage, on screen, or in the community, he continues to inform, inspire, and reflect the world around him.

To book Motivational Speaker Ayo Akinwolere, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com