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Keynote SpeakerKelly Holmes

British Olympic Gold Medalist

Celebrating 20 years since those extraordinary wins at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. Double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes, is respected not just for her extraordinary achievements but also her enduring impact as a role model and inspiration worldwide. Dame Kelly’s story began when she joined the British Army... Read more

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Popular Talks by Kelly Holmes

  • Teamwork and Motivation
  • Achieving success through adversity
  • The inspiration of the Olympic Games
  • Using elite sports performance strategies in business
  • Leading a healthy lifestyle to create positive thinking
  • How women can succeed in a \mans\ world
  • Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
  • Uplifting and Enabling Women
  • Inclusion Matters

Biography

Celebrating 20 years since those extraordinary wins at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. Double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes, is respected not just for her extraordinary achievements but also her enduring impact as a role model and inspiration worldwide.

Dame Kelly’s story began when she joined the British Army at just 17, where she served for nearly a 10 years as a qualified HGV driver and Physical Training Instructor. Her dedication and service were recognised in 1998 when she was awarded an MBE by the now King Charles, honouring her contributions to the armed forces.

Her illustrious athletic career spanned 12 years, during which she claimed multiple medals at the Commonwealth, European, World, and Olympic levels. The pinnacle of her career came in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games, where she made history as the first British woman ever to win two gold medals in a single Olympics, triumphing in the 800m and 1500m events. In recognition of her monumental achievements in sport, she was honoured with a Damehood by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2005.

In 2008, Dame Kelly founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, a groundbreakingly initiative that pairs world-class athletes with disadvantaged youth, empowering them to realize their potential. Her philanthropic efforts have garnered numerous accolades, including the Beacon Award for Philanthropy in 2017 and the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Arthur Bell Trophy in 2023.

In 2020 Kelly was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of York to add to 12 others she has received since retiring. In June 2022 Dame Kelly’s powerful documentary; Kelly Holmes: Being Me, aired on ITV. Kelly is now free to be her authentic self, she is using her voice to educate and inform on D&I matters.

From 2018 to 2024, Dame Kelly held the prestigious role of Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment, making history as the first individual to be attached to a regular regiment in this capacity—an appointment that required the approval of the late Queen Elizabeth.

Dame Kelly’s influence extends beyond athletics. In 2024, she received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, adding to a remarkable collection of 13 honorary degrees she has received since retiring. Her powerful documentary, “Kelly Holmes: Being Me,” aired in June 2022, showcasing her journey toward authenticity and her commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion.

Dame Kelly has been Global Inspirational and Motivational speaker for over 20years. She is TV Presenter, a trained Mental Health First Aider and a voice for change. She embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of empowerment, serving as a true trailblazer for countless causes.

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What clients say about Kelly Holmes

"Thank you Kelly" You really inspired and motivated the delegates to achieve their life goals, through an interactive and fun session. Your style made for a stunning presentation, which engaged the audience 100%. We really appreciated your honesty and openness and the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A session. The feedback from the event was extremely positive with 100% of comments reflecting rating the session as excellent 5/5. I would have no hesitation in recommending Kelly as a fantastic speaker! Jane Underwood, Shell
"It was an honour and a privilege to have Dame Kelly Holmes speak at our Annual staff conference. Her talk was as inspiring as it was moving and I know all the staff present were grateful to have her there. I'd like to offer my personal thanks to Kelly for her passion and enthusiasm which exemplify so well the attitude Newham College tries to encourage in its staff" Denise Brown-Sackey, Principal and Chief Executive Newham College of Further Education
I was delighted to welcome Kelly to Panasonics UK Headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire to appear as a surprise guest at the company's Annual Policy Meeting. Kelly arrived to a huge welcome from the Panasonic team which was then followed by an outstanding motivational speech by Kelly. All of the Panasonic team were inspired by Kelly's experiences, words or wisdom and encouragement for the fiscal year ahead. Cyril Wood, Managing Director of Panasonic UK

How to book Kelly Holmes as a keynote speaker

How do I book Kelly Holmes for a keynote speech?

You can book Kelly Holmes through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Kelly's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Kelly Holmes's speaking fees?

Kelly Holmes's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Kelly tailored to your event.

What topics does Kelly Holmes speak about?

Kelly Holmes speaks on Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Diversity, Inspirational Women, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Kelly to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Kelly Holmes available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Kelly Holmes for events worldwide, subject to Kelly's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Kelly Holmes deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Kelly Holmes is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Kelly Holmes?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Kelly can accommodate.

Can Kelly Holmes tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Kelly Holmes on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Kelly can offer.

What languages does Kelly Holmes present in?

Kelly Holmes delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Kelly Holmes a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Kelly Holmes's areas of expertise include Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Diversity, Inspirational Women, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation. To get a clear sense of Kelly's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Kelly Holmes speak at?

Kelly Holmes can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Diversity, Inspirational Women, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation is relevant. Details of Kelly's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Kelly Holmes offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Kelly Holmes is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Kelly Holmes?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Kelly Holmes, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Kelly's current availability for your dates.