15 British Motivational Olympic Speakers for Paris 2024 Summer Olympics | Great British Speakers

31st May 2024

The Olympic Games are coming to Paris this summer (2024), which gives us the perfect opportunity to draw your attention to some of the inspirational and motivational Olympians we have here at Great British Speakers.

To book any of our sports or Olympic speakers for your event, contact Great British Speakers at 01753 439 289 or email bookings@greatbritishtalent.com

OK – So let’s inspire you with the very best of Team GB Olympic Talent…!

Adam Peaty OBE – Swimmer

As of 2024, Olympic champion Adam Peaty OBE is the only swimmer in history to hold all major global championships simultaneously and is the first British swimmer ever to retain their Olympic title. As of May 2024, he held seven of the fastest breaststroke times ever swam and has broken the World Record for the length an amazing 14 times! Adam has gone from a child afraid of water to one of history’s most decorated GB swimmers. His inspirational speeches leave a lasting impact, motivating people to push their boundaries and pursue their dreams.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Adam Peaty HERE


Eilish McColgan – Long-Distance Runner

Eilish McColgan is a Scottish long-distance runner who has won medals for the 5,000m, 10,000m, 5km, and half marathon, and is the current European record holder for the 10km road race. With three Olympic Games under her belt, she is giving her all to make it to the Paris 2024 Games. She is a motivational and inspirational keynote speaker, talking openly about her body confidence issues and overcoming them. She is also the founder of a charity that helps support young people taking up athletics.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Eilish McColgan HERE


Jess Learmonth MBE – Triathlete

Jess Learmonth MBE is an Olympic gold-medal-winning triathlete who also has 18 European, Commonwealth, and World Series medals under her belt. Unsurprisingly for the world of elite sport, Jess didn’t take up triathlon racing until she was in her mid-20s – having focussed more on swimming as a youth – which makes her rise to the top even more impressive. Jess was appointed an MBE in 2022 for her services to triathlon and is one of the most exciting, engaging, and decorated GB triathletes in the world.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Jess Learmonth HERE


Lizzie Deignan MBE – Cyclist

Lizzie Deignan MBE is a World, Commonwealth, and National Champion road cyclist, winner of the 2021 Paris-Roubaix Femmes and an Olympic silver medallist. She is in high demand for corporate appearances and offers insights into her career success, overcoming adversities, how she excelled as a female in a male-dominated sport, and the sacrifices she has had to make to be successful.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Lizzie Deignan HERE


Max Whitlock OBE – Gymnast

Max Whitlock OBE is one of the most successful GB gymnasts in history, with over 30 major titles, including 10 Commonwealth medals, 1 World Cup title, 8 European Championship medals, 8 World Championship medals, and 6 Olympic medals. He is the most successful gymnast in the world on the Pommel Horse, with over a dozen medals in this discipline alone. Max is an inspiring, popular and friendly figure, and he is a role model for younger generations and loves to share insights into his professional life.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Max Whitlock HERE


Colin Jackson – Hurdler

Colin Jackson burst onto the professional scene 1986 by setting a European junior record in the 110m hurdles. He was in the world’s top 10 for 16 years; for the last seven years of his career, he was never out of the top three. One of the UK’s greatest athletes, over 18 years, he won over 20 medals in the Olympics, World Championship, and European Championships. Beyond his athletic achievements, Colin is known for his down-to-earth demeanour, professional approach, and charismatic speaking style. He also spends his time supporting the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for diversity and inclusion.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Colin Jackson HERE


Dame Katherine Grainger – Rower

Dame Katherine Grainger is one of Britain’s most decorated female Olympians, with five medals. She remains the only female athlete in any sport to gain medals in five consecutive Olympic Games. Currently Chancellor of the University of Glasgow and Chair of UK Sport.

She is a popular TV guest and motivational speaker who discusses teamwork, overcoming challenges, motivation, winning, and the importance of communication.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Dame Katherine Grainger HERE


Dame Kelly Holmes – Middle-Distance Runner

Dame Kelly Holmes is a legendary female British Olympian who once held records in the 600m, 800m, and 1,000m. An Olympic, World, Commonwealth, and European medallist, she was also named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2004 and made a Dame in 2005 for her services to athletics. She is passionate about raising awareness of mental health, is a Mental Health First Aider, is a charitable advocate, and is a proud member and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Dame Kelly Holmes HERE


Beth Tweddle MBE – Gymnast

Often known as GB’s most successful female gymnast, Beth Tweddle MBE is among the few greats who have reached the top in two separate disciplines – the asymmetric bars and the floor. She made history in 2006 by becoming the only British gymnast ever (at the time) to make the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. With 28 medals to her name, Beth retired in 2013 and is now a popular pundit, trainer, charity ambassador, and sought-after motivational speaker.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Beth Tweddle MBE HERE


Dame Denise Lewis – Heptathlete

Dame Denise Lewis is an accomplished presenter, broadcaster, and President of Commonwealth Games England. And also the proud owner of nine heptathlon medals across the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships, European Cup, and Commonwealth Games. Since retiring in 2005, Denise has become a successful TV Broadcaster, corporate event host, and keynote speaker on sport, diversity, and inclusion.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Dame Denise Lewis HERE


James Cracknell OBE – Rower

James Cracknell OBE is one of GB’s most decorated male rowers, with two Olympic golds, six World Rowing Championship golds, and one Boat Race gold. Since retiring in 2006, he has remained a household name, carrying out dangerous challenges for the BBC and Discovery. In 2010, he was hit by a petrol tanker whilst cycling, causing a major brain injury, resulting in epilepsy and personality changes. He is now a motivational speaker and ambassador for several charitable organisations.

Find out more about Olympic speaker James Cracknell HERE


Greg Rutherford – Long Jumper

Greg Rutherford is one of GB’s top athletes thanks to his gold-medal long jump win at the 2012 London Olympics. He holds various British records and medals across the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and World Championships. In 2015, he became the first British athlete ever to simultaneously hold all outdoor titles (British, European, Commonwealth, Diamond League, World, and Olympic). In 2021, he joined the GB bobsleigh team, hoping to make it to the Winter Olympics, but unfortunately, he didn’t qualify. Greg’s fascinating career and charismatic personality make him a popular after-dinner speaker and event host.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Greg Rutherford HERE


Mark Foster – Swimmer

Mark Foster is among the most recognised and respected names in British sport. Across a career spanning 23 years, Mark won 51 medals across the World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Since retiring, he’s been seen on billboards and buses as a brand ambassador for companies such as Speedo and Wellman. A smart, humorous, and engaging host and speaker, Mark draws upon his international career as a swimmer and TV presenter to keep his audience hooked. As well as an inspirational sporting speaker, he reflects on his personal life as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Mark Foster HERE


Sir Chris Hoy – Cyclist

Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy is arguably one of GB’s most successful Olympians, with six gold medals and one silver. A multiple world champion track cyclist, he holds 25 World Championship medals, four Commonwealth medals, and one European Championship medal. At one point, he was the greatest British Olympian in any sport, a title taken from him by fellow cyclist Sir Jason Kenny. Chris is an exceptionally gifted sportsman and an entertaining motivational speaker, bringing something unique to any event.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Sir Chris Hoy HERE


Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE – Hockey Player

Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE is an Olympic-gold-medal winning hockey player who also holds three gold medals from the Commonwealth Games, World Cup, EuroHockey Nations Championship, Champions Challenge, and European Indoor Championships. The former captain of the GB women’s hockey team and the most capped female hockey player in GB history, Kate is charismatic and inspirational and offers honest and motivational talks on leadership, diversity and inclusion, communication, a winning mindset, and team building.

Find out more about Olympic speaker Kate Richardson-Walsh HERE


This is just a small selection of our Olympic speakers, so if you’re after someone different, you can view all our Olympic (and Paralympic) speakers HERE.

If you’d like to book any of these inspirational Olympic speakers, do get in touch. You can contact us at Great British Speakers by email at bookings@greatbritishtalent.com or by phone 01753 439 289.

We also have a wide range of current and former Paralympians available for bookings; look at some of them HERE or get in touch directly to create a shortlist of talents.

Ellie Simmonds OBE - 5x Paralympic Swimming Champion at Great British Speakers

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