Venus Williams

Venus Williams is recognised as one of the most successful female tennis players in history, winning 23 Grand Slam titles across her career. Along with her 7 singles titles, she holds 14 Grand Slam titles in the women’s doubles event, won alongside her sister, Serena Williams, and they hold the record for the most Olympic gold medals claimed by any tennis player in history. Sharing the stories and lessons behind her highly successful sporting career, Venus is a powerful speaker who can also share valuable insights into the business world as an entrepreneur.

Turning professional at the age of 14, she made her debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament at the French Open in 1997 and reached the US Open final. A year later, she won the first singles title of her career on the WTA Tour, finishing the year ranked No. 5 in the world rankings. In doubles, she also won two Grand Slam titles in the mixed event and her first two women’s doubles titles. Venus made her breakthrough in 2000, winning her first major singles title at Wimbledon, two gold medals at the Sydney Olympic Games and 35 consecutive singles matches. Winning two more major titles the following year, she was ranked No.1 in the singles world rankings for the first time in 2002 and became the first African-American woman to do so in the Open era. Also achieving success in doubles, the Williams sisters won four consecutive major doubles titles in 2009. As a result, they were ranked No.1 in the doubles world rankings a year later. Following their gold medal win in the doubles event at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Venus and Serena broke the record for winning the most Olympic gold medals of any other tennis player in history.

Alongside her sporting career, Venus is an entrepreneur and investor who has founded two interior design companies, V Starr and Palazzo, and a nutrition brand, Happy Viking. Also an author, she has written four books, with her latest release, 'Strive', focusing on wellness and lifestyle tips. Recognising her success on and off the court, Venus has received numerous accolades, such as being named in lists including Forbes 30 Utterly Inspiring Role Models, TIME Magazine's 30 Legends of Women’s Tennis, and winning awards including WTA Player of the Year, YWCA GLA Phenomenal Woman of the Year, ESPY Best Female Tennis Player and the US Open Sportsmanship Award.

An inspiring sportswoman, Venus speaks confidently on topics including performing under pressure, resilience, motivation and teamwork. Previously speaking at the UNMATCHED conference and the Loyola Marymount University commencement ceremony, Venus is the ideal speaker for schools, sporting events and panels. If you are looking for a world-class sporting speaker, hire Venus today via Champions Speakers!