When it comes to hosting an unforgettable event, few speakers can match the impact of a celebrity Olympic athlete. These individuals have overcome immense challenges, demonstrated unparalleled dedication, and achieved extraordinary success on the world’s biggest stage. Whether you're organising a corporate conference, motivational seminar, or charity fundraiser, Olympic athletes bring a unique blend of resilience, discipline, and inspiration to the table.
In this post, we’ve rounded up the top 12 celebrity Olympic keynote speakers who are not only world-class athletes but also captivating speakers capable of leaving a lasting impression on any audience.
Mo Farah is a legend in long-distance running! With ten global championship golds, including four Olympic and six World titles, he’s the most successful male track runner ever. He also holds the world record for the one-hour run and European records for the 10,000m and 3,000m. Mo’s incredible achievements and inspiring journey make him a brilliant choice if you’re looking for an energetic and motivating speaker!
Jessica Ennis-Hill, the dazzling 2012 Olympic heptathlon champion, has bagged three world titles and once held British records in multiple events. Since hanging up her spikes, she's become a sought-after athletics commentator for the BBC. Awarded Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2017 for her remarkable contributions to sport, her extraordinary achievements, leadership, and sharp insights make her an inspiring and invaluable speaker at any event.
Derek Redmond is a retired British sprinter who once held the British record for the 400 metres. He won gold medals in the 4 × 400 metres relay at both the World and European Championships. Redmond is most famous for his unforgettable performance at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where he tore his hamstring during the 400 metres semi-final but, with help from his father, limped to the finish line to a standing ovation. His resilience and determination make him an inspiring choice for any speaking engagement.
Ellie Simmonds, a Paralympic swimming sensation, shot to fame at just 13 after clinching two gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. She continued to dominate in London 2012 and Rio 2016, shattering world records along the way. At 14, she became the youngest ever recipient of an MBE. With her incredible journey of determination and triumph, Ellie inspires audiences, making her an outstanding choice as a speaker, sharing her story of breaking barriers.
Kelly Holmes, an Olympic gold medallist in both the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Olympics, is an inspiring figure. With British records across multiple distances, including the 600m and 1000m, and a long-standing dedication to excellence, Kelly embodies perseverance and resilience. Having served in the Army and later becoming the president of Commonwealth Games England, her leadership and experience make her an exceptional choice as a motivational speaker.
Usain Bolt, the fastest man ever, would be an electrifying choice as a speaker! With eight Olympic golds and world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, his achievements are legendary. He’s the only sprinter to snag Olympic 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Games and is an eleven-time World Champion. His energy, drive, and winning mentality would bring serious inspiration and excitement to any audience!
Seb Coe, a legend in middle-distance running, bagged four Olympic medals, including two golden 1500-metre victories in 1980 and 1984. He became the face of London’s winning 2012 Olympic bid, helping bring the Games to the UK. Seb's leadership continued as Vice President of the IAAF (2007-2011) and Chairman of the British Olympic Association. In 2020, he joined the International Olympic Committee, proving his sporting influence is truly unstoppable!
Eddie Edwards, a former Olympic ski jumper, is celebrated for his legendary story of grit and perseverance. With limited resources, he fearlessly represented Great Britain at the 1988 Winter Olympics, becoming a true symbol of resilience. His motivational speeches emphasise turning failure into growth, staying positive in tough times, and pushing through adversity. Eddie's journey inspires anyone seeking a boost in personal development and the courage to keep going.
Rebecca Adlington is a legendary swimmer, known for her dominance in freestyle events. She clinched two gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in the 400m and 800m freestyle. With an impressive career filled with titles at the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games, Rebecca’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and excellence. Her story continues to inspire and motivate others to pursue greatness.
Torvill and Dean are not just Olympic gold medallists, they're skating royalty! Their iconic performance to Boléro at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics earned them the highest-ever score in figure skating history – twelve 6.0s! Now, as coaches and head judges on ITV's "Dancing on Ice", they continue to inspire with their blend of expertise, passion, and flair. Hiring them as speakers will bring a touch of Olympic magic and fun to any event!
Tom Daley, the diving legend, is the perfect blend of charm, talent, and gold-medal glory! With a career packed with five Olympic medals - one gold, one silver, and three bronzes - Tom’s journey from a teenage sensation to a diving icon is nothing short of inspiring. He’s now making waves in the speaking world, sharing his incredible story and diving into the hearts of audiences everywhere.
Ade Adepitan is not just a Paralympic legend, winning bronze in Athens and gold at the 2005 World Cup – he's also a media superstar! From presenting the 2012 Paralympics on Channel 4 to hosting BBC travel shows and sports programmes, Ade’s charisma shines through. He’s a true advocate for equality, using his TV presence to tackle racism and disability discrimination. Ade is a dynamic speaker who inspires, educates, and entertains!
There’s no shortage of other incredible athletes available ready to inspire your audience! Fancy hearing from Nicola Adams, Steve Redgrave, or Louis Smith? Or perhaps a chat with Michael Phelps, Victoria Pendleton, or Beth Tweddle? The list goes on – with Laura and Jason Kenny, Lizzy Yarnold, Chris Froome, and even the mighty Anthony Joshua all available to bring their unique stories and energy to your event. Whether you want to hear about triumph, grit, or the pursuit of greatness, these Olympians will make sure your event is anything but ordinary!
To book one of the famous Olympians from our roster, get in touch with the Champions Olympic Speakers agency today by filling in our online contact form. Alternatively, call a booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553.
To discuss the details of your event or book one of our exciting Olympic and Paralympic speakers, call a booking agent at Champions Olympic Speakers on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online contact form.
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