Olympic Gold Medallist in the 800m & 1500m, British Record Holder, Founder of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust & President of Commonwealth Games England
Dame Kelly Holmes’ Biography:
Dame Kelly Holmes is one of Britain’s most celebrated athletes, an Olympic double gold medallist and an enduring icon of determination, resilience, and authenticity. Known for her victories in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, she became the first British woman in history to win both events. Her achievements earned her the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, and numerous other accolades. Today, Dame Kelly is not only remembered for her sporting triumphs but also admired for her tireless work as a mentor, mental health advocate, and motivational speaker who inspires people to overcome adversity and fulfil their potential.
Before her athletic fame, Dame Kelly served in the British Army as an HGV driver in the Women’s Royal Army Corps, earning the rank of Sergeant and an MBE for her service. During this time, she trained and competed while serving, a testament to her extraordinary discipline and drive. After transitioning to athletics full-time, she went on to break multiple British records in the 800m, 1000m, and 600m, cementing her reputation as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of her generation.
Since retiring from competitive sport, Dame Kelly has dedicated her life to supporting others. In 2008, she founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, a charity that helps young people facing disadvantage to build confidence, resilience, and self-belief through mentoring and community programmes. She was later named President of Commonwealth Games England and continues to serve as an influential leader in sport and philanthropy. In 2022, she came out publicly as gay in the documentary Kelly Holmes: Being Me, becoming an inspirational advocate for authenticity and mental wellbeing.
Beyond her work in sport and charity, Dame Kelly is an engaging broadcaster and commentator, contributing to major events such as the Paris 2024 Olympics and the TCS London Marathon. A natural and empathetic communicator, she combines her personal journey with a deep understanding of leadership, motivation, and purpose, empowering audiences worldwide to find strength through struggle and courage through change.
Why Hire Dame Kelly Holmes?
Dame Kelly Holmes is an extraordinary and inspiring speaker whose life story resonates across audiences of all backgrounds. With honesty, humour, and passion, she shares her journey from the British Army to Olympic champion, offering lessons on resilience, motivation, and mental health. Her powerful insights on goal-setting, leadership, and overcoming adversity have inspired countless people and organisations to perform at their best. Whether addressing corporate teams, educators, or young people, Dame Kelly’s authenticity and energy leave a lasting impact, motivating everyone she meets to believe in their own potential and persevere, no matter the challenge.
Dame Kelly Holmes’ Career Highlights:
Below showcases Dame Kelly Holmes’ milestones that influenced her inspirational career from the British Army to the Olympics:
- 2025 – Awarded the Pride ICON Award at the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe 2025
- 2024 – Talk SPORT commentator for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- 2024 – Led the Team Samaritans Support Squad at the TCS London Marathon.
- 2023 – Recipient of the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Arthur Bell Trophy.
- 2022 – Came out publicly as gay in the documentary Kelly Holmes: Being Me.
- 2022 – Regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women.
- 2018 – Made Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment.
- 2017 – Recipient of the Beacon Award for Philanthropy.
- 2010 – Inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame.
- 2009 – Named President of Commonwealth Games England.
- 2008 – Founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to empower disadvantaged young people.
- 2005 – Appointed DBE for services to athletics and won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.
- 2004 – Double Olympic gold medallist in the 800m and 1500m at the Athens Games, also named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
- 1998 – Appointed MBE for services to the British Army.
Videos
Dame Kelly Holmes Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Would you be able to pass on not only my thanks but a huge thank you to Dame Kelly on behalf of everyone at the hospice. Dame Kelly truly went above and beyond for the hospice on Friday and we are extremely grateful. It was an absolute pleasure for our Fundraising Director to show Dame Kelly around the hospice prior to the event. The audience absolutely loved Dame Kelly’s interview with Dougie on stage and thought she really was a true inspiration. We truly hope Dame Kelly enjoyed being involved.”- Amanda, The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice
“I just wanted to give feedback on how great Dame Kelly was, not only inspiring and motivational, just took every business-related question and could relate it either to her time in the Army or Athletics. She was also very open her life and the mental and physical challenges she has been through. I also need to add she was lovely, very warm, joined us for lunch, happy to do selfies etc. Our President and SVP were equally impressed and inspired. I could not recommend any higher, just brilliant.” – Mark, Vice President, Hitachi Vantara
“Wow Wow Wow! Kelly was fantastic yesterday. We got really great feedback from attendees. Inspirational, Genuine, Authentic were words that were used.” – Brad, Head of Events, Rothesay
“It was a powerful session and we have received so much positive feedback from those that attended. The intersectionality and sheer variety of topics that were covered made for such a rich discussion and we only wished we could have heard her speak for hours longer!” – Amber, Global Brand Manager, American Express
“Obviously you are a natural but we want to thank you for being so open and honest and giving such great advice. Louis and I enjoyed every minute and you made us feel so comfortable. We both agree this has gone down as a top moment in our careers and a proud moment for our Ethnicity ERG we hope by having these talks we can help people to be confident in being more themselves at work and hopefully we will see more people from different backgrounds feel like they fit in at a place like Exertis.” – Alisha, New Business Onboarding Specialist, Exertis
Speaking Topics
Dame Kelly Holmes’ Official Keynote Topics:
- Health, Wellbeing & Nutrition
- Elite Sports Performance
- Women’s Empowerment
- Motivation & Inspiration
- Mental Health in the Workplace
- Performance, Resilience & Overcoming Adversity
- Inspirational Leadership
- Goal Setting & High Performing Teams
How Much Does Dame Kelly Holmes Cost To Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Dame Kelly Holmes?
The cost of hiring Dame Kelly Holmes depends on factors such as your event requirements, whether it’s in-person or virtual, and any travel or accommodation needs. To receive an accurate quote, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.