Dame Kelly Holmes
Sporting icon and Double Olympic champion
*Fees are a guide only. Exact cost will be dependent on requirements and are subject to change.
About Dame Kelly Holmes
Kelly’s athletics journey began at a young age when she showed great promise as a junior runner, winning the 1,500 metres at the English Schools Championships. However, rather than immediately pursue a sporting career, she chose to join the British Army shortly before her 18th birthday. Over the next nine and a half years she rose through the ranks to become a Sergeant, demonstrating the same discipline, determination and commitment that would later define her athletic career.
During her time in the Army Kelly continued to run competitively, initially representing the forces. As her success on the track grew and she began winning major titles, she faced a life-changing decision between her military career and athletics. In 1997 she made the courageous choice to leave the Army and dedicate herself fully to her sporting ambitions.
Her determination and relentless focus culminated in one of the greatest moments in British sporting history at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, where she achieved the remarkable feat of winning gold medals in both the 800m and 1500m. The achievement cemented her place as one of the most iconic figures in British athletics and showcased the resilience she had developed throughout a career marked by injury setbacks and intense challenges.
Kelly’s contributions have been widely recognised. She was awarded an MBE for services to the British Army in 1998 and later honoured with a Damehood in the 2005 New Year Honours following her Olympic success. After retiring from competitive athletics later that year, she continued to dedicate herself to supporting the next generation of athletes.
Through initiatives such as On Camp with Kelly, she mentors promising young female athletes, helping them develop the mindset, confidence and resilience needed to succeed at the highest level. She has also served as the UK’s National School Sport Champion, advocating for greater participation in sport and inspiring young people to lead active, healthy lives.
Alongside her mentoring and advocacy work, Kelly has shared her story widely through media appearances and her autobiography Black, White & Gold, offering audiences an honest insight into the challenges and triumphs behind her Olympic success.
As a keynote speaker, Dame Kelly Holmes delivers powerful, motivating and deeply personal talks on resilience, mindset and high performance. Drawing on her experiences of overcoming setbacks and achieving greatness on the world stage, she leaves audiences energised, inspired and equipped with the tools to pursue their own goals with determination and belief.
To book Keynote Speaker Dame Kelly Holmes, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com
- Resilience and overcoming adversity
- High performance and achieving excellence
- Mental strength and mindset
- Leadership and teamwork
- Goal setting and motivation
- Performing under pressure
- Health, wellbeing and balance
- Women in sport and empowerment
- Inclusion, identity and authenticity
- Inspiring the next generation
Client Feedback
"Dame Kelly Holmes is extremely inspirational and motivational. She should be commended for being such an approachable, down to earth and charming person who has achieved such extraordinary things. An excellent day and superb guests, especially Kelly who made many people’s day in 20CS."
BP
"Kelly did a fabulous job in delivering to the brief that she was set. She is so natural, and nice, that the messages she delivers (in her own style) really strike home and her frankness about her own personal journey added to this. The whole site was absolutely buzzing about Kelly’s visit."
Unilever
"Dame Kelly’s visit exceeded our expectations, she really did go above and beyond, not only talking to our Investors in Gold participants but then taking the time to speak individually to colleagues during her guided tour of the building. All of our colleagues really enjoyed sharing in the experience and it was echoed by all what a lovely and personable lady she is."
Cabot Credit Management Ltd
"Dame Kelly Holmes spoke inspirationally about her journey to world class excellence. We got a personal and revealing insight into the self-disciplined, goal-orientated planning that underpinned her years of hard work. Dame Kelly’s message resounded completely across all levels in our organisation and more importantly across many different nationalities."
Actis
"Having Dame Kelly at our event definitely added some magic and excitement. Everyone loved seeing her there and it was just brilliant that she ran with the children in the 2.5km, then again as part of the 10km. She spoke to so many people, had lots of photos taken and made a massive impact on the day. A huge thank you to Kelly for her support, it was just wonderful."
GlaxoSmithKline
"I have had dozens of emails and personal messages commenting on how wonderful Kelly’s presentation was, and her willingness to engage with people on site. There was one word that has popped up over and over again… Inspirational. The whole site feels privileged to have met Kelly and heard about her journey (and to have seen her medals!)."
Unilever
