Two-Time Paralympian, Leadership Coach, Motivational Speaker and Chair of the British Athletes Commission
Sam Ruddock’s Biography:
Sam Ruddock is a Paralympian, professional speaker and leadership coach who inspires audiences worldwide with his story of resilience, self-belief and high performance. Born with cerebral palsy, Sam has defied expectations at every stage of his life, from excelling in elite sport to empowering others to reach their potential through mindset and discipline.
Sam began his sporting career in athletics after being talent-spotted while studying at Loughborough University. He represented Great Britain at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, competing in the F35 shot put and sprint events. His drive, focus and positive attitude quickly made him a respected figure in British athletics and an ambassador for disability sport.
Transitioning from athlete to leader, Sam has channelled his experience into helping individuals and organisations perform under pressure and embrace change. He now works as a professional speaker and development coach, specialising in leadership, teamwork and personal growth. His unique perspective, shaped by elite competition and lived experience, gives audiences practical tools to build confidence, manage adversity and pursue excellence.
Alongside his speaking career, Sam has served as Chair of the British Athletes Commission and continues to mentor athletes and young professionals. His authenticity, humour and energy make him a standout speaker who connects deeply with every audience. Whether addressing corporate teams, schools or conferences, Sam Ruddock inspires people to challenge their limits and redefine success.
Why Hire Sam Ruddock?
Hiring Sam Ruddock brings authenticity, energy and purpose to any event. A two-time Paralympian and leadership coach, he shares proven strategies for resilience, adaptability and peak performance. Sam’s storytelling blends motivation with actionable lessons that resonate across business, sport and education. He’s an ideal speaker for corporate events, wellbeing programmes and leadership summits. Audiences leave inspired, motivated and equipped to tackle their own challenges with confidence and clarity.
Sam Ruddock’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Sam Ruddock’s extraordinary career:
- 2025 – Starred in a promotional campaign for the muscle-care product Releva
- 2024 – Chair of the British Athletes Commission: Leads initiatives to support athlete welfare and representation at the highest level.
- 2023 – Launched High-Performance Coaching Programmes: Designed bespoke workshops for leadership and team development.
- 2020 – Transitioned from Elite Athlete to Professional Speaker: Expanded his impact beyond sport into business and education.
- 2016 – Competed at the Rio Paralympic Games: Represented Team GB in the F35 shot put.
- 2012 – Made Paralympic Debut at London 2012: Competed on home soil as part of the British Athletics team.
- 2010 – Discovered through the Talent ID Programme at Loughborough University: Began professional training with UK Athletics.
Videos
Sam Ruddock’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“On behalf of the Education Strategy Group we would like to thank you for providing a strong motivational keynote speech and workshop which helped to make the annual meeting an overwhelming success. The delegate’s feedback indicates that your speech was “inspirational”, “uplifting (much needed)”, and “excellent”. The comments about the workshop included “Very useful” and “I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop”. With very best wishes” – Eleanor, Education Partnerships Officer, People Group, Darlington Borough Council
“I just wanted to drop you a line to say what an absolute pleasure it was to have you attend our Annual Achievement Evening. Your inspirational story and the way that you engaged with our audience – particularly in the heat and with the delays – was fantastic! I wish you well in your future career, and preparations for Tokyo! On behalf of everyone here at Harlington School, thank you for giving up your time and making our Achievement Evening such a special event.”– Ms E A Horrigan, Harlington School
“Thank you so much. Sam himself was lovely and extremely engaging with the students. His Powerpoint and his messages were excellent, he managed to tie his talk neatly in to working hard at school which was just perfect!!! I couldn’t thank him enough. Thank you so much for organising for us and we would happily use you guys again in the future.” – Laura, Longhill High School
“Sam was able to provide a light-hearted, engaging talk to our university students, describing his journey right through from birth to competing on the world’s biggest stage, the Paralympics, up until his current endeavour of winning a medal in track cycling. Sam is down to earth and was extremely relatable to our students. He informed them of what it is like to live with a disability and how being made to feel welcome by the American Football team at his university was monumental to forming friendships and building up his confidence. Our students were able to take away loads of key messages such as the importance of being approachable and adaptable to meet different people’s needs.” – Hannah, University of Leicester
Topics
Sam Ruddock’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
- Leadership Lessons from the Paralympic Track
- Turning Challenge into Opportunity
- High-Performance Mindset and Motivation
- Diversity, Inclusion and Empowerment
- Building Confidence and Team Culture
How Much Does Sam Ruddock Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Sam Ruddock?
The cost of hiring Sam Ruddock depends on your event type, size and delivery format. Fees vary for in-person and virtual events. For an accurate quote and expert booking advice, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency representative.