Dame Kelly Holmes is one of Britain’s most recognisable and prolific Olympians and also one of the most successful. Everyone is aware of Holmes’ athletic accomplishments but what many are not aware of is that she began her road to success in the Armed Forces. Even though she joined at only 18 she was quickly recognised for her athletic ability and became British Army Judo Champion and actually competed in the men’s 800 meters race as well.
She eventually received the funding to become a full time professional athlete and left the army in 1997. Whilst training for the 2004 Olympics in Athens , she injured her leg in France, she struggled with the injury and depression but managed to overcome both in time for the games.
At the games, Holmes won gold in both the 800m and the 1500m in an extraordinary display of athletic prowess. She became Britain’s first double gold medal winner (in the same games) since 1920 and her time in the 1500m final set the world record at 3 minutes and 57.90 seconds.
In 2005 she retired from her athletic career and was rewarded for her service to the country with a DBE in the New Years Honours List. In 2008 Holmes set up her own charity The Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust which aims to improve the life chances of young people and to inspire them to great things.
Dame Kelly Holmes makes a perfect speaker at corporate events; she is both confident and approachable and knows all about reaching goals and overcoming adversity and her journey to the top of the sporting world can be taken as an inspiration to everyone.
Email Prime Performers today or call 020 7251 8222 to enquire about hiring this speaker for your event.
More about Dame Kelly Holmes Dame Kelly Holmes on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)