Sporting motivational speakers inspire corporate audiences by sharing their stories of perseverance and success, empowering others to follow in their footsteps of greatness.

Why Are Sporting Motivational Speakers Hired?

Sports stars are often hired as motivational speakers for corporate events because their stories of perseverance, teamwork and success resonate deeply. They embody the discipline and leadership qualities that businesses aspire to instil in their teams, making them effective in inspiring and energising a corporate audience. Given the statistic that highly engaged teams show 21% greater profitability, there is no better way to motivate your team than with a motivational speaker, such as the many sporting superstars we are proud to have on the Champions Speakers roster.

How Much Does a Sporting Motivational Speaker Cost to Hire?

Hiring a sporting motivational speaker can cost anywhere between £1000 and £50,000. The fee varies based on their level of success, demand, whether they are a current or past superstar, the event size, travel and accommodation needs. These factors significantly influence the overall cost of their engagement. To discover what sports speakers your budget accommodates, contact Champions Speakers today!

Who Are the Best Sporting Motivational Speakers to Hire?

To compile this official selection of the Top 20 Sporting Motivational Speakers to Hire in the UK, Champions Speakers’ Senior Keynote Speaker Manager, Chris Tompkins, has conducted exclusive scrutiny of official event polls at 358 sports-themed events across the UK, between 2022 and 2024. Discover the top sporting motivational speakers today!

1. Toto Wolff
2. Jill Scott
3. Derek Redmond
4. Kevin Keegan
5. Gail Emms
6. Jason Robinson
7. Tanni Grey-Thompson
8. Dave Brailsford
9. Sir Andrew Strauss
10. Viv Anderson
11. John Barnes
12. Sarina Wiegman
13. Stuart Pearce
14. Mark Foster
15. Cath Bishop
16. Sir Tony "AP" McCoy
17. Susie Wolff
18. Steve Redgrave
19. Laura Kenny
20. Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards

The Top 20 Sporting Motivational Speakers to Hire in 2024!

1. Toto Wolff

Career Highlights:

• 8 Constructors World Championship wins
• 7 Drivers World Championship wins

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is a sought-after sporting motivational speaker due to his extensive and successful career in motorsports and business. Starting as a driver in 1992 and transitioning to respected team principal, Toto's insights into high-performance teams, risk management and competitor strategies are invaluable. Under his leadership, Mercedes achieved remarkable success, winning numerous championships. Additionally, Toto's commitment to philanthropy through the Mary Bendet Foundation underscores his dedication to positive causes, making his speeches both inspiring and impactful. His charismatic and authentic presenting style resonates well with diverse audiences

Official Feedback for Toto Wolff:

"Thank you for securing us Toto and Susie Wolff for our SLM 2021 event this year. I thought the combination worked really well having them both together, and would recommend that to your other clients. I received many remarks from event attendees about how ‘on message’ they both were on the themes of leadership and culture, which was a big focus of our event this year. It was a real event highlight. In terms of official post-event reporting, 62.5% found their session excellent and 35% found it good (1 person found it average but perhaps he/she was a Red Bull fan)" - Tetra Pak

2. Jill Scott MBE

Career Highlights:

• 161 League appearances for England & 9 for Great Britain
• Winner of the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Football Championship
• Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame & the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame
• Awarded the 2023 PFA Merit Award

Jill Scott MBE is an acclaimed English footballer with over 16 years of experience as a Lioness and more than 150 international appearances. She began her career at Sunderland, later playing for Everton and Manchester City, and won numerous awards, including the FA Tesco Player’s Player of the Year. Jill was a pivotal player in England's 2009 UEFA Women's European Championship run and was part of the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro-winning squad. Inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and appointed MBE, her extensive experience and leadership make her a sought-after motivational speaker for international sporting events.

Official Feedback for Jill Scott:

"We’ve had some great feedback from the local school and employees at the firm who got the opportunity to meet Jill, really appreciated how engaging Jill was with people throughout the day. It seemed like she enjoyed meeting the kids and answering their questions, meeting Steve from AFCB, and even giving some advice to our new women’s team." - JP Morgan

3. Derek Redmond

Career Highlights:

• 1 x World Champion
• 1 x European Champion
• Former Director of Sprints & Hurdles for UK Athletics
• Group Performance Director for Thomas International

Derek Redmond is hired as a sporting motivational speaker for international events due to his decorated athletic career, including European and World Championship successes, and his impactful personal story of overcoming adversity, notably at the 1992 Olympics. He has extensive experience in performance management, having served as Group Performance Director at Thomas International. Derek focuses on diversity, inclusion, mental resilience and high-performance team building, translating his sports experiences into valuable business insights. His compelling speeches and personal experiences, including facing discrimination, resonate with and inspire audiences globally, making him a sought-after speaker for achieving optimal performance.

Official Feedback for Derek Redmond:

"Derek Redmond bravely making it through with little help, moments of euphoria after years of hard work. Moments when the human spirit triumphs over injury that should have been impossible to overcome." - President Barack Obama

4. Kevin Keegan OBE

Career Highlights:

• 63 League appearances for England
• Manager for Newcastle United, Fulham, England & Manchester City
• 5x Premier League Manager of the Month, FWA Footballer of the Year & PFA Players’ Player of the Year
• Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame

Kevin Keegan OBE, a renowned former footballer and manager, is celebrated for his stellar career at top-tier clubs and as an England captain. He played for Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, amassing 592 appearances and 204 goals. Notably, he won the European Footballer of the Year award twice and led England as captain from 1976 to 1982. Transitioning to management, he revitalised Newcastle United and managed England and Manchester City. Post-retirement, he became a prominent media pundit. Kevin is a sought-after motivational speaker, addressing topics like leadership and teamwork, and engaging audiences at various corporate and public events.

Official Feedback for Kevin Keegan OBE:

"Articulate, witty and clever - Kevin was great in the way he incorporated our company KPIs in his speech. It was interesting to hear how he treated his players and the board like in a business model. I look forward to working with Kevin again in the future." - M2K Services

5. Gail Emms MBE

Career Highlights:

• Silver Olympic medallist – 2004 Athens Mixed Doubles
• 1 x World Champion – 2006 Madrid Mixed Doubles
• 2 x Commonwealth Games Gold medallist
• 2 x European Champion – 2004 & 2006

Gail Emms MBE is an Olympic silver medallist and former professional badminton player who has transitioned into motivational speaking and event hosting. Known for her extensive achievements, including medals at the 2004 Olympics, European Championships, World Championships and Commonwealth Games, Gail uses her sports experiences to inspire and motivate others. She represented England from 1995 onwards and has a degree in Sports Science from Kingston University. Post-retirement, Gail has taken on broadcasting and commentary roles. As an Ambassador for Women in Sport and a passionate speaker, she encourages others to achieve their potential, making her a sought-after speaker for international conferences.

Official Feedback for Gail Emms MBE:

"Gail Emms came to Kingston University to speak to the students who had been accepted in to our Sports Performance Programme. Gail delivered an inspiring motivational talk about her own Olympic journey, which really engaged with the students. She understood their goals and tailored the speech accordingly, so that it was fun and informative. We really hope to be able to work with Gail again in the future, she is a shining example of somebody who has achieved their goals while maintaining a life balance." - Kingston University

6. Jason Robinson OBE

Career Highlights:

• Member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning team
• 51 Rugby Union International caps for England
• First Black man to Captain the England Team
• Awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards

Jason Robinson OBE, a legendary rugby player, excelled in both the Rugby League and Rugby Union and was the first Black British captain of the England Rugby Team. Known for his speed and agility, he had a remarkable career with Wigan, Bath, Sale Sharks, Fylde and national teams, scoring 171 tries in 281 games. Appointed MBE and OBE, he now inspires others through JR Talks and JR Sports Stars. Jason's motivational speaking draws on his personal experiences of overcoming adversity, mental health struggles and achieving success against the odds, making him a sought-after speaker on social mobility, diversity and resilience.

Official Feedback for Jason Robinson OBE:

"The event was really great, it has been our most engaged with D&I event so far. We had 100 colleagues in person and over 440 online. Jason’ talk went down extremely well and seemed to really resonate with our colleagues here. I’ve had colleagues go out of their way to come up to the team and thank us for putting it on. I’d like to thank him again for such an open and honest talk about mental health, and how that intersects with many different aspects of his life." - Neil, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Clyde & Co LLP

7. Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson

Career Highlights:

• Olympic medallist – 11x Gold, 4x Silver & 1x Bronze
• 2 x World Champion
• Awarded the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year award & the Helen Rollason Award
• Awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is one of Great Britain's greatest Paralympians, winning 11 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medal across five Paralympic Games and breaking 30 track World Records. She began using a wheelchair at age seven due to spina bifida and discovered wheelchair racing as a teenager. Her remarkable achievements and resilience earned her the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Tanni’s extensive knowledge of sports, media experience and motivational stories make her a sought-after speaker. She delivers eloquent speeches on peak performance and overcoming adversity, inspiring audiences at international events and conferences.

Official Feedback for Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson:

"Tanni was an incredible speaker and extremely personable. Our clients have commented on how engaging the talk was and how it was almost like a conversation rather than a keynote speech. Thank you to Tanni." - Allen & Overy

8. Sir Dave Brailsford

Career Highlights:

• Team Principal of UCI WorldTeam Ineos Grenadiers
• Former Performance Director of British Cycling
• 2x winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s Coach Award
• Inducted into the British Cycling Hall of Fame

Sir Dave Brailsford is a sought-after sports motivational speaker due to his revolutionary marginal gains philosophy, which emphasises the power of 1% improvements. As the former Performance Director of British Cycling, he transformed British cycling into a dominant force, leading the team to multiple Olympic and World Championship victories. His success with Team Sky, securing victories with top cyclists like Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, further solidified his reputation. Awarded numerous honours for his contributions to sport, Dave’s inspirational speeches and workshops teach corporate teams the secrets of long-term, sustainable success through marginal gains, making him a transformative figure in any setting.

Official Feedback for Dave Brailsford:

”David was excellent” - Association of Convenience Stores

9. Sir Andrew Strauss

Career Highlights:

• 100 Test Matches, 127 ODI appearances & 4 T20I appearances
• Knighted for Services to Cricket
• ECB Director of Cricket & former Captain of the England Team
• Former holder of the record for the most catches by an England fielder

Sir Andrew Strauss is highly sought after for international events as a sporting motivational speaker due to his exceptional career as an England Cricket Captain and his extensive achievements. He led England to home and away Ashes victories, scored over 6000 runs in just 89 tests, and made over 120 ODI appearances. Known for his leadership, determination and analytical skills, Andrew emphasises the mental aspect of cricket, attributing his success to mindfulness practices. Beyond cricket, his creation of the Ruth Strauss Foundation in memory of his wife showcases his resilience and dedication, making him an inspiring figure for audiences worldwide.

Official Feedback for Sir Andrew Strauss:

"I just wanted to say thank you for your presentation at our management conference and also for staying around for ‘Escape the Box’. It was a really interesting presentation and it certainly reinforced quite a few things for me that I know we’ve not been good at which includes the constant checking/measurement against your strategic objectives. From a personal point of view, I was very interested in the ongoing efforts to make sure we are meeting all our targets in advance of next year and the importance of certain measures. I also did a fair amount of checking with our international colleagues during the rest of the day and night and they were all very complimentary and didn’t at all feel a lack of understanding of cricket hindered their enjoyment of your presentation. Thanks again." - Perform Group

10. Viv Anderson MBE

Career Highlights:

• 30 appearances for England as the first black footballer to play for England’s Senior Men’s National Team
• 554 appearances for teams such as Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday & Middlesborough
• Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame
• Goodwill Ambassador of The Football Association

Viv Anderson MBE is hired as a sporting motivational speaker due to his groundbreaking achievements and inspiring journey. As the first black player to represent England in football, he broke racial barriers and stood resilient against adversity. His illustrious career with top clubs like Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, combined with his down-to-earth and personable character, makes him a captivating speaker. Viv’s experiences, from winning major trophies to handling racial abuse with composure, provide valuable lessons on resilience and overcoming obstacles. His engaging and humorous anecdotes from his playing days make him a popular and impactful speaker for any audience.

Official Feedback for Viv Anderson MBE:

"Viv was outstanding! He had broad appeal in our firm due to his footballing and ethnic background and people were really commending us for bringing him in. He was very entertaining and everyone loved his war stories and his opinions on diversity in the management of football." - Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

11. John Barnes MBE

Career Highlights:

• 79 caps for England
• Named PFA Players Player of the Year & Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year
• Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame

John Barnes MBE is a highly sought-after sporting motivational speaker for international events due to his illustrious football career and impactful personal experiences. As a former England footballer with 79 caps and a prolific scorer with over 150 goals in local appearances, John brings a wealth of expertise to his speaking engagements. His managerial roles, including leading Celtic and Jamaica's national team, highlight his tactical acumen. Off the pitch, his advocacy for racial equality and his work as a TV presenter further showcase his communication skills. John Barnes' speeches resonate due to his insights on peak performance, managing pressure and his dedication to equality in sports.

Official Feedback for John Barnes MBE:

"I invited John along to speak about his experiences of racism both on and off the pitch. We were pleasantly surprised at how authentic he was about his experiences and how he spoke more widely about discrimination and unconscious bias. Lucy and the team at Champions have done a great job in meeting all our requirements and getting this in place for us" - Schroders Personal Wealth

12. Sarina Wiegman CBE

Career Highlights:

• Coached England to win the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Football Championship
• Coached England for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
• Named UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year & IFFHS World’s Best Woman National Coach
• Awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award & Manager of the Year at the Women’s Football Awards

Sarina Wiegman CBE is hired as a sporting motivational speaker due to her distinguished career in women's football, both as a player and a manager. She led the Dutch team to victory in the 2017 UEFA Women's Euros and the England Lionesses to the finals in 2022. Known for her strategic prowess and leadership, Sarina has been honoured with numerous awards, including ‘The Best FIFA Women’s Coach’ and an Honorary CBE. Her journey from a passionate player to a successful manager inspires many, and she shares her insights and experiences to motivate audiences worldwide.

13. Stuart Pearce MBE

Career Highlights:

• 747 senior career appearances
• 78 appearances for England
• Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame
• Manager of Manchester City & Nottingham Forest

Stuart Pearce MBE is hired as a sporting motivational speaker due to his legendary football career, extensive experience and leadership skills. Renowned as one of England's greatest left-backs and a pivotal figure at Nottingham Forest, Stuart played 401 games for the club and 78 for England. His legacy includes excellent leadership, drive and determination, which he passionately shares in his speeches. His experience as a player, manager and commentator, combined with his insights into teamwork, peak performance and business, make him a highly sought-after speaker who captivates audiences with his dedication and expertise.

Official Feedback for Stuart Pearce:

"Friday’s event went really well, we’ve had such good feedback and everyone loved Stuart Pearce. The stories were great, and we really appreciated his interaction with everyone, hope he enjoyed it as much as we did!" - Street League

14. Mark Foster

Career Highlights:

• 6x World Champion
• 11x European Champion
• 2x Commonwealth Games Gold medallist

Mark Foster, one of Britain's most successful swimmers, became the fastest swimmer at 15 and won numerous medals in Commonwealth, World and European Championships. He briefly retired but returned to compete in the 2008 Olympics. Beyond his swimming career, Mark is a media personality, charity patron and LGBT+ advocate, known for his roles in TV shows and sports commentary. His remarkable achievements, resilience and advocacy make him an inspiring motivational speaker, capable of delivering impactful speeches at events and conferences, sharing his journey and encouraging others to overcome challenges and strive for excellence.

Official Feedback for Mark Foster:

"Mark was a powerful speaker, he held the room and touched on so many relevant points for us, especially allyship. We’ve already had lots of positive feedback and would recommend him!" - Hannah-Minna, Compliance Manager, BMS

15. Cath Bishop

Career Highlights:

• 1x World Champion – 2003 Coxless Pair
• Olympic Silver medallist – 2004 Athens Coxless Pair

Cath Bishop is hired as a sporting motivational speaker for corporate events due to her illustrious career as an Olympic rower and diplomat. She won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and became the World Champion at the 2003 World Rowing Championships. Her diplomatic roles, forging a career with the Foreign Office, honed her leadership and resilience. Cath leverages her experience to provide actionable insights on high performance, leadership and cultural transformation. She collaborates with teams to elevate performance and foster unified cultures. A seasoned speaker and author, Cath captivates audiences with her thought-provoking perspectives, making her an ideal choice for organisations seeking to revolutionise their workplace cultures.

Official Feedback for Cath Bishop:

"An engaging, motivational and thought-provoking speaker who really understands what leadership and teamwork is all about." - Henley Business School

16. Sir Tony “AP” McCoy OBE

Career Highlights:

• Winner of Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, King George VI Chase & the Grand National
• Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year & RTE Sports Person of the Year
• Awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award
• Named Conditional Jockey of the Year, Jump Jockey of the Year, Jockey of the Year & Jump Ride of the Year multiple times
• Holder of three Guinness World Records

Sir Tony "AP" McCoy OBE is a highly sought-after sporting motivational speaker due to his unparalleled success as the most accomplished jockey in history. With over 2,000 more victories than his nearest competitor and 20 consecutive British Jump Racing Championships, Tony’s career is marked by dedication and perseverance. His accolades include BBC Sports Personality of the Year, three Cheltenham Gold Cups and a Grand National win. Knighted for his contributions to horse racing, Tony McCoy shares inspiring stories of resilience and determination, making his insights valuable for sports enthusiasts, personal development and workplace motivation.

Official Feedback for Sir Tony "AP" McCoy OBE:

"The event was a huge success and it was so interesting to hear all about Sir AP’s fantastic career and life now in retirement. I think we were all frantically scribbling the tips from Sir AP!" - Kate, Networking Marketing Manager, Nuvias

17. Susie Wolff MBE

Career Highlights:

• Managing Director of F1 Academy
• Former Team Principal & CEO of Venturi Formula E
• Appointed MBE for Services to Women in Sport
• Co-Founder of Dare to be Different

Susie Wolff MBE, a former racing driver, is hired as a sporting motivational speaker for international events due to her inspiring career defying gender stereotypes in motorsports. With over 25 years in the sport, she became the first woman in 22 years to compete in a Formula One event. Her journey from karting to competing for the Mercedes Benz and Williams Formula One teams highlights her dedication and perseverance. Post-retirement, she promotes female participation in male-dominated industries through initiatives like Dare to be Different. As a role model and ambassador, her story motivates audiences worldwide, demonstrating that there are no limits to achieving dreams.

Official Feedback for Susie Wolff MBE:

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Susie Wolff for an executive event that our company has organised, in that time I have known Susie to be a personable, enthusiastic and a brilliant businesswoman and driver. Susie has built a strong reputation as someone with vision, diligence, and technical knowledge and I am thrilled I had the chance to experience seeing Susie implement these skills outside the racetrack. I found her speech at our conference to be incredibly valuable and educational, and so did the diverse group of automotive executives visiting our event. I strongly recommend Susie to anyone looking for a motivational or business speaker.” - Elektrobit Automotive

18. Sir Steve Redgrave CBE

Career Highlights:

• 5x Olympic Gold medallist
• 9x World Champion
• 3 x Commonwealth Games Gold medallist
• Voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year & awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award

Sir Steve Redgrave CBE is hired as a sporting motivational speaker for international events due to his unparalleled achievements as a five-time Olympic gold medallist and one of the greatest Olympians. Known for his record-breaking victories at five consecutive Olympic Games and overcoming the challenges of chronic illnesses like ulcerative colitis and diabetes, Steve exemplifies perseverance and a winning mindset. His inspiring journey from battling health issues to becoming an iconic champion resonates deeply with audiences. Steve's extensive career success, including nine World Championship golds and multiple accolades, further solidifies his credibility and appeal as a motivational speaker on the global stage.

Official Feedback for Sir Steve Redgrave:

"Steve was fantastic! He went down an absolute storm - he was the highlight of the conference. His speech was very appropriate to the event and he stayed around and took photos with the attendees. He was a really nice guy and very easy to work with." - Mars Inc.

19. Dame Laura Kenny

Career Highlights:

• 5x Olympic Gold medallist
• 7x World Champion
• 14 x European Champion
• Appointed DBE for Services to Cycling

Dame Laura Kenny is a popular motivational speaker due to her unparalleled success as Great Britain's most successful female Olympian, with five Olympic gold medals, seven World Champion titles and 14 European Champion titles. Specialising in various cycling disciplines, she has triumphed over significant personal and physical challenges, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. Laura’s impressive career and her ability to articulate the mental and physical requirements for success make her relatable to diverse audiences. Honoured with titles like OBE, CBE and Dame, she is highly sought after for international events, award ceremonies and sports functions for her inspirational insights.

Official Feedback for Dame Laura Kenny:

"Laura was fabulous and went down very well with the audience. She came across as very genuine and engaged with our interviewer and interacted very well with our guests before and after her session. In summary, she helped us make our event a real success and would be grateful if you could convey to her our thanks." - Pomerantz LLP

20. Eddie the Eagle Edwards

Career Highlights:

• The first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping
• Holder of the British ski jumping record from 1988 to 2001
• The subject of the biographical film “Eddie the Eagle”

Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards is a sought-after motivational speaker due to his inspiring story of resilience and determination. As the first Briton to compete in Olympic ski jumping, Eddie's journey from near obscurity to public admiration highlights his tenacity despite numerous setbacks. His performance at the 1988 Winter Olympics, where he finished last but captured the hearts of audiences, underscores the power of perseverance. Eddie's unique blend of humour and inspiration, alongside his biographical film's success, makes him a captivating speaker. He effectively motivates audiences by sharing his experiences of overcoming challenges and embracing one's underdog status.

Official Feedback for Eddie Edwards:

"I wanted to send out a huge thank you for your contribution in making the Rep Training Day a fabulous one... Thank you to our brilliant speaker and for your participation in achieving some clear goals to work towards this year." - Dyson

How Can I Hire a Sporting Motivational Speaker for My Event?

To hire one of the incredible sporting motivational speakers in this post or any of the other inspirational sportspeople listed on our roster, get in touch today! Call one of our dedicated booking agents on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online contact form to begin the booking process!

This exclusive article on the Top 20 Sporting Motivational Speakers to Hire in the UK in 2024 was authored by Chris Tompkins, using official event poll data from 358 sports-themed events across the UK, between 2022 and 2024.