Sporting Speakers

Rt Hon Lord (Sebastian) Coe

On the track Seb’s talent and commitment earned eleven world records and two Olympic gold medals; he has since led the most successful Games in recent history. After serving as one of many Vice Presidents, Seb is tasked with turning around World Athletics and restoring the reputation of international athletics, in the gaze of the world’s media. In speeches he shares the lessons as an athlete and as a leader delivering a vision, managing crisis and bringing about change.

Sir Matthew Pinsent

The four-time Olympic champion oarsman has now become a polished presenter. After dinner Matt lets guests get their hands on his medals. With ready wit he recalls the punishing training regime, their need to adapt to circumstances and the sheer exhilaration of beating world class crews.

Martina Navratilova

When she defected from Czechoslovakia to the US, Martina was set on becoming the top female tennis player in the world. She achieved more tournament titles than any man or woman in history, enjoyed a 74-match winning streak and claimed a final Grand Slam at the age of 49. She’s now a powerful voice for diversity. In speeches Martina explains that true competitors aren’t put off by boundaries: “Most of their pressures are self-imposed.”

Martin Bayfield

Martin has progressed from copper to Crimewatch presenter. In between he enjoyed a successful career as a rugby forward, earning 31 international caps. With natural comic timing, the 6’10” colossus compares his own sport to football, and reveals how he became a part of the Harry Potter phenomenon.

Colin Jackson

Colin was ranked among the top ten hurdlers in the world for nearly two decades – retaining the 110m record for thirteen years. He has since picked up his spikes to train young athletes. Away from the race track he’s become a polished presenter, and one of the driving forces behind Sport Relief. Colin speaks about the winning formula, the mental visualisation techniques and the unwavering dedication needed to stay at the top of your game.

Matt Dawson

Possibly the best scrum half in the world, Matt’s performance in the World Cup-winning England rugby team, and especially his pass that led to the winning kick, earned enormous respect within the sport. A former England captain, Matt is a proven leader and a natural team player and he combines his playing experience with his more recent business lessons to consider the nature of teams, leadership and performance culture. He’s also an accomplished presenter of conferences and awards.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Colonel Dame Kelly Holmes is a British icon and inspiration. After joining the army at seventeen, she cemented her place in history as the first women ever in Great Britain to win two gold medals at the same games at the Athens Olympics.

Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards

Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards won the hearts of the nation when he came in last place ski-jumping at the Olympics, representing Great Britain for the first time. With his go-getter spirit, he continues to inspire people and reminds them that success isn’t always in the winning but in the trying.

Sir Chris Hoy

Chris has amassed eleven World Championship titles and six Olympic golds. As well as broadcasting, promoting his range of bikes and raising cycling awareness, he’s now forging a successful motorsport career. In a hugely instructive presentation Chris explains how he dealt with intense training and competition, how he learned to bounce back after defeats – and why the team constantly searches for marginal gains.

Mark Foster

Mark won fifty one international freestyle and butterfly titles including six world titles and eleven European. He also set eight world records and competed at five Olympics before honing his punditry skills for the BBC, taking to the Strictly dancefloor and becoming the force behind FitSteps. As well as lessons in preparation and focus, he has more recently opened up about his sexuality and how his reluctance to be open about being gay with colleagues and coaches may have impacted on his professional performance and general wellbeing.

Alex Scott

After captaining Arsenal and playing over 100 matches for England, Alex is now one of the best-known faces in sports broadcasting. She's broken down barriers to become the first woman to commentate on men’s international and club matches for the BBC and Sky respectively. She has also hosted a game show, coverage of Tokyo’s Olympics and The One Show.

Jill Scott

Former England international Jill Scott had an illustrious eighteen year playing career with Manchester City, Everton, Sunderland, and Aston Villa. She won Euro 2022 with the Lionesses in her final game as a professional, and as the second-highest capped player.