Richard Whitehead MBE

Richard Whitehead MBE is a multiple Paralympic gold medallist and world champion runner and record breaking marathon runner.

He won gold medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic games, and was named world champion in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017.

He is also a popular diversity champion, inclusion consultant, and motivational sporting speaker.

Booking is easy with Great British Talent. To find out availability and fees for Richard Whitehead or any other talent for your corporate event or project, contact our Great British Talent agents via [email protected], or call us on +44 1753 439289.

Alternatively, fill out our talent enquiry form here – we’ll aim to respond within the hour. Our knowledgeable team of experts can handle all aspects of your booking to ensure it runs flawlessly.

Type Of Speaker

Celebrity Host Disability Diversity Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Health & Wellbeing High Performance Leadership & Teamwork Paralympics Personal Development Resilience Speaker Sport

More About Richard Whitehead MBE

Richard Whitehead MBE is a Paralympic Gold Medallist, world record holder, marathon runner, professional athlete and a global advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Born with a double through-knee congenital amputation, Richard has defied expectations from an early age, embracing sport as a way to live without limits, a philosophy instilled by his parents and one that continues to shape his life and inspire others.

Driven by ambition and resilience, Richard set his sights on the marathon over two decades ago, completing the New York Marathon and proving that no dream is too bold.

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His athletic journey soared from there, winning gold in the T42 200m at the London 2012 Paralympics on home soil and subsequently adding further medals to his Paralympics GB legacy.

In 2024, Richard broke the world record for athletes with bilateral knee amputations at the TCS London Marathon and then smashed his own record later that year in Chicago, finishing in an astonishing 2:41:36.

In 2025, Richard completed a remarkable global challenge – 20 marathons across the world, culminating in his 100th career marathon in New York. But this feat wasn’t just about endurance, it was about connection. Through every mile, Richard championed inclusion, accessibility, and community, using sport as a bridge to bring people together.

In 2021, he founded The Richard Whitehead Foundation, a charity dedicated to empowering disabled people through sport and physical activity. The foundation works to remove barriers and unlock potential, reflecting Richard’s unwavering belief that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has a gift worth nurturing.

Richard is officially the fastest amputee runner in the world, and his story is one of grit, positivity, and boundless possibility. He continues to inspire generations to dream bigger, run further, and live without limits.

Richard helps individuals and companies to create and develop a sustainable equality, diversity, and inclusion policy for your workplace, school, or organisation, creating a world which is inclusive and accessible for all.

He is available for keynote talks, fireside chats, and Q&As.

Richard Whitehead MBE | Speaking Topics

– Diversity

– Inclusion

– Resilience

– Teamwork

– Inspiration

– Leadership

– Preparation

– Goal Setting

– Self Motivation

– Positive Mindset

– Managing Change

– Being Able to Adapt

– Overcoming Barriers

– Health and Wellbeing

– Drive and Determination

– Maintaining High Performance

Richard Whitehead MBE hire world runner speaker book at agent Great British Speakers

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers today to book Richard Whitehead for your corporate event.

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Testimonials

Richard is brilliant to work with. He is not only an incredible athlete and inspiration in his own achievements, but his love of sport and the power of sport for all is contagious. His open and honest approach to championing inclusivity, and his determination to always find ways to enable more people to benefit from the power of sport to unite people, makes for a positive and proactive direction. He is a valuable member of Bupa’s Accessibility Advocacy Forum, his contribution helps us to look at the bigger picture, consider societal shifts required, differences across the globe and how we can influence change through a culture of understanding and inclusion across both our business and our approach to healthcare. He has also been an invaluable partner to us in several campaigns to show the world that we all have health, we all have a health story, sharing our stories can help not only us but others too.
Claire, Bupa UK

We were delighted with how the morning went with Richard – the impact on the students and staff was palpable! I am very excited about future work with Nottingham Free School and the wider trust!
Sandy, Nova Education Trust

It was absolutely brilliant having Richard at the launch, he was as wonderful as ever! Richard said a few words at the start, and then posed for loads of selfies with the runners afterwards, as well as having the photos with the Rotary members.
Sophie, Nottingham Rotary Club, Parkrun Launch

It was wonderful, absolutely wonderful and could not have been more on point if we’d written a script for both to deliver. The student take-outs reported a clear emphasis on the understanding of the importance of relationships, empathy, subject knowledge and skill.
Martine, Nottingham Trent University