Poppy Maskill

3x Paralympic Gold Medallist, Team GB’s First Gold Medallist, World Record Holder in the S14 Women’s 100m Butterfly & Double IPC Swimming World Champion

Poppy Maskill’s Biography:

Poppy Maskill MBE is a multiple world champion para-swimmer and one of Britain’s most inspiring young sporting talents. Competing in the S14 intellectually impaired classification, Poppy became Team GB’s first gold medallist at the 2024 Summer Paralympics at just 19 years old. In an extraordinary performance, she broke the world record in the women’s S14 100m butterfly with a time of 1 minute and 3 seconds. Across the Games, Poppy secured three gold medals and two silver medals, cementing her status as one of the standout athletes of the competition. Her resilience, determination and story of overcoming adversity make her an exceptional motivational speaker.

Poppy’s rise through elite swimming began at a young age, quickly establishing herself as one of the brightest prospects in British para-sport. At her debut appearance at the 2022 Madeira IPC World Championships, she earned a medal of every colour, announcing herself on the international stage with remarkable maturity. Her rapid progression continued at the 2023 Manchester IPC World Championships, where she won gold in the S14 Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay alongside silver and bronze medals in individual and relay events. Through relentless dedication to training and performance, Poppy has become a leading figure within British Swimming.

In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Poppy received the Para Swimming Emerging Athlete Award at the British Swimming Awards in 2022. Following her record-breaking success in Paris, she was appointed MBE in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List for services to swimming. She was also selected as one of Team GB’s flagbearers for the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games, reflecting her growing influence both inside and outside the pool.

Beyond competition, Poppy is admired for her authenticity, positivity and ability to inspire audiences of all ages. Sharing lessons on resilience, confidence, overcoming setbacks and achieving success under pressure, she connects powerfully with corporate audiences, schools and sporting organisations alike. Her journey demonstrates how determination and self-belief can break barriers and deliver world-class success.

Why Hire Poppy Maskill?

Poppy Maskill MBE is hired as a speaker for her inspiring story of resilience, elite performance and overcoming adversity at a remarkably young age. As a multiple Paralympic gold medallist and world-record holder, she offers first-hand insights into handling pressure, building confidence and achieving ambitious goals. Poppy’s experiences competing on the world stage resonate strongly with businesses, schools and sporting audiences seeking motivation and practical lessons in determination. Her engaging personality, authenticity and ability to connect with audiences make her a memorable and impactful speaker for a wide range of events.

Poppy Maskill’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Poppy Maskill’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Appointed MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to swimming.
  • 2024 – Selected as one of Team GB’s flagbearers for the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games.
  • 2024 – Won three gold medals at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
  • 2024 – Won two silver medals at the Paris Paralympic Games.
  • 2024 – Broke the world record in the S14 Women’s 100m Butterfly with a time of 1:03.
  • 2023 – Won gold in the S14 Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay at the IPC Swimming World Championships.
  • 2023 – Secured three silver medals at the IPC Swimming World Championships.
  • 2023 – Earned a bronze medal at the IPC Swimming World Championships.
  • 2022 – Won a gold medal at the IPC Swimming World Championships on her senior international debut.
  • 2022 – Received the Para Swimming Emerging Athlete Award at the British Swimming Awards.