Dame Kelly Holmes
Who is Dame Kelly Holmes?
Dame Kelly Holmes is a two-time Olympic gold medallist and founder of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
What are Dame Kelly Holmes’s main achievements?
Dame Kelly Holmes joined the British Army at 17 and served for nearly a decade as a qualified HGV driver and Physical Training Instructor, receiving an MBE in 1998 for her military service. She competed at the highest level in athletics for 12 years, winning medals at Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic level before making history at the Athens 2004 Olympics as the first British woman to win two gold medals at a single Games, taking both the 800m and 1500m titles. She was awarded a Damehood in 2005.
In 2008 she founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, which connects world-class athletes with young people facing disadvantage to help them build confidence and reach their potential. The Trust’s work has been recognised with the Beacon Award for Philanthropy and the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Arthur Bell Trophy. From 2018 to 2024 she served as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment, the first person to hold such a position with a regular regiment.
Dame Kelly has received 13 honorary degrees and an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Her 2022 documentary Kelly Holmes: Being Me explored her journey to living authentically. She is a trained Mental Health First Aider and has worked as a motivational speaker for over 20 years.
What kind of topics does Dame Kelly Holmes cover at events?
- Athletics – Dame Kelly reflects on competing at Olympic level, the discipline required to perform when it matters most and what she learned from 12 years at the top of her sport.
- LGBTQ+ – Dame Kelly speaks openly about her own experience and the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves.
- Diversity and Inclusion – Dame Kelly draws on her military background, athletics career and Trust work to explore what genuine inclusion looks like in practice and why it matters.
- Sporting Success – Dame Kelly shares the mindset, preparation and determination that carried her to double Olympic gold and how those principles apply beyond sport.
- Mental Health – Dame Kelly discusses the mental challenges athletes and individuals face, the importance of seeking support and her work as a Mental Health First Aider helping others navigate difficult periods.
If you want Dame Kelly Holmes to cover something specific, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Evolve today.
Why should you hire Dame Kelly Holmes for your next event?
Dame Kelly Holmes brings the perspective of someone who has competed at the very highest level in sport while also dedicating decades to helping others reach their own potential. Her honesty, warmth and commitment to making a difference resonate with audiences across sectors and backgrounds.
How to hire Dame Kelly Holmes for your next event?
Book two-time Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes with Evolve for your next event.
For more information on how to hire Dame Kelly Holmes for your next event or private function, make an enquiry or email us at agent@evolve-agency.co.uk
Topics and Themes
- Athletics
- LGBTQ
- Sporting Success
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Mental Health
- LGBT+
- Olympics
Videos
Do you want to book Dame Kelly Holmes?
Add this speaker to your list to review and book later, or enquire about booking them now.
Dame's Latest Case Studies
Dame Kelly Holmes & AELP
In June, Evolve partnered one of Britain’s greatest-ever sportswomen and Olympians, and a strong LGBTQ+ advocate, Dame Kelly Holmes, with The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).
Why Choose Evolve?
We have spent over 20 years building genuine relationships with speakers and clients, so you can confidently count on us to find the perfect match for your event every time. As a small, dedicated team, you will always have direct contact with us. From the moment you get in touch through to the event day, we handle all the logistics and contracts so you can focus on your event without any distractions.
Proud to work with
We’re proud to have built lasting relationships with our clients over the years. Here is a selection of the different companies we have worked with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions and answers. If you can’t see your question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Booking a speaker is made as straightforward as possible with Evolve. Start by browsing our website for the perfect speaker or call us directly to get a shortlist and advice. We can then get a quote on the price and ensure that the date is available. Once the deposit is received, we can put all the logistical details in place including sorting out the contract, travel accommodation etc. We will also provide a full brief to ensure that your chosen speaker meets your expectations.
The fee normally includes a keynote speech, as well as Q&A and meet and greet, but we can tailor the package to your needs and budget. Travel and accommodation for the speaker are normally charged separately but can be arranged by us.
Instead of having to approach each speaker individually, which can be challenging and time-consuming, we will take care of all of the legwork for you. The relationships that we have built up ensure that we are able to negotiate a fair price and take care of all the tricky logistical details that can otherwise cause a major headache. We ensure that a detailed contract is drawn up and are available to deal with any challenges that may occur along the way.
Each speaker has their own booking preferences. If you are looking to hire a renowned figure, we recommend booking 9-12 months before your event. If your dates are flexible, it’s often possible to arrange something on shorter notice. While we can accommodate bookings at any time, booking at least 3 months in advance ensures a smoother process and allows time to meet all your requirements.
Of course! One of our team would love to talk you through the range of speakers on our website and what they can offer to your next big event.
Simply get in touch with us over the phone or via email to discuss being added to our stable of speakers.
We work with the management team and other agencies of the speakers and celebrities on our website. You can always expect to receive an excellent level of support from Evolve and we strive to ensure that each and every booking fulfils all your expectations.
How we can help
Our team is ideally placed to help you find a speaker for your next big occasion. Using our extensive contact list and expertise in the industry, we will help in seeking out a star that matches your needs perfectly, ensuring that your event goes off with a bang. Talk to us today for more information.
Talk to us
