Dame Kelly Holmes

Double Olympic Champion, British Record Holder, Founder of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Mental Health Advocate

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Kelly Holmes is a double Olympic gold medalist, winning both the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Games, the first Briton to do so in over 80 years

She won BBC Sports Personality of the Year and European Athlete of the Year, and received a Damehood from the Queen

Kelly is the founder of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, empowering disadvantaged youth through mentorship from world-class athletes

“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%.”

Jane Underwood, Shell

Biography

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, we celebrate not just 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 decade 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 groundbreaking 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.

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.

As a global inspirational and motivational speaker for over 20 years, a TV presenter, and a trained Mental Health First Aider, Dame Kelly continues to be a voice for change. She embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of empowerment, serving as a true trailblazer for countless causes.

Dame Kelly Holmes—a beacon of strength, a champion of change, and a relentless advocate for those striving for greatness.

Topics

Motivation

Mental health in the workplace

Performance, resilience and overcoming adversity

Inspiration and leadership

Goal setting and high performing teams

Health, wellbeing and nutrition

Sports and peak performance

Women’s empowerment