Nicola Adams was the first female and openly LGBTQ+ boxer to win an Olympic gold and therefore she is a highly influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

NICOLA ADAMS – BOXING CAREER

Nicola was making history way back in 2001 as the first female boxer to represent England, and later became the English Amateur Champion in 2003, holding on to the title for another three years. In 2007, she won a silver medal at the European Championships, followed by silver at the World Championships the following year, and another at the 2010 World Championships. From that point on, Nicola excelled in the sport and went to claim Gold at the 2012 London Olympics, gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, followed by the Gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. At the start of 2019, Nicola was named full World Boxing Association champion, a title she held onto in a match at the end of 2019. She announced her retirement in November 2019 after a bout of injuries.

NICOLA ADAMS – ROLE MODEL

Her success in and out of the ring made her an instant role model to all audiences but particularly young girls. She wrote a book titled Believe: Boxing, Olympics and My Life Outside the Ring in 2017 to tell the public her story of grit and determination, and to explore the real person behind the boxing gloves.

NICOLA ADAMS – MBE

In recognition of her services to boxing and unprecedented achievement, Nicola was appointed an MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list, and an OBE in the 2016.

NICOLA ADAMS – MEDIA WORK

Outside of boxing, Nicola has been featured in a number of television programmes including Coronation Street (1960-) and Emmerdale (1972-), before cameoing as herself in Waterloo Road (2006-2015). She has also appeared on programmes including Celebrity Gogglebox (2019-), Bear Grylls’ Wild Adventure (2014-), All Round to Mrs Brown’s (2017-), The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer (2018-), The Jonathan Ross Show (2011-), A League of Their Own (2010-) and Room 101 (1994-2018). In 2020, she joined that year’s Strictly Come Dancing (2004-) line-up, and along with professional partner Katya Jones became part of the competition’s first same-sex couple.

In 2024, Nicola was part of the BBC’s guest presenting team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Becoming an icon of the LGBTQ+ community, Nicola is in an inter-racial and same-sex relationship, unfortunately resulting in being a victim of both racism and homophobia. However, Nicola is determined to combat such abuse and prejudice, and continues to raise awareness of a proud lesbian. Nicola was recognised as the Most Influential LGBT Person in Britain by The Independent, named on the annual DIVA Powerlist of Most Influential People of African/African Caribbean Descent in the UK, named one of the UK’s Most Eminent Lesbian and Bisexual Women on the Powerlist in 2016, became the first female boxer to receive the Joe Bromley Award from the Boxing Writers’ Club of Great Britain in 2012, was nominated in 2012 for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, was listed as one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2015 and awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Leeds in the same year.

Through several charities, Nicola has encouraged people of all ages and abilities to join their local sports club and to raise awareness of women in sport and boxing, including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Made By Sport, MQ, the Prince’s Trust, Save the Children and Sport Relief.

NICOLA ADAMS – LGBT+ SPEAKER

Now a popular choice as an LGBTQ+ speaker for events, Nicola proudly promotes acceptance and support for the community. She has worked alongside a number of companies across industries such as Aldi, Aviva, British Airways, E45, Influencer Intelligence, Marks and Spencer, the National Lottery, Panache, Smart Energy GB and Virgin Active.

NICOLA ADAMS – SPEAKING TOPICS

– LGBTQ+

– Diversity & Inclusion

– Olympics

– Peak Performances

– Sporting Success

– Overcoming Adversity

– Drive & Determination

Widely regarded as the UK’s most successful female boxer, Nicola has forged a respected and influential name as an LGBTQ+ activist and is available to hire as a passionate diversity speaker for audiences of any size.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book former boxer and LGBTQ+ advocate Nicola Adams for your corporate event.

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