Anna Boden is an adventurer and equestrian enthusiast who is the only winner of the Gaucho Derby and the Mongol Derby. Despite being dubbed the toughest horse races in the world, Anna's resilience led her to come out victorious. As the first winner of both races, Anna speaks about the physical, mental and emotional resilience that taught her not only grit and perseverance, but also humility and adaptability.
With a degree in Stem Cell Biology from the University of Edinburgh, Anna pursued a career in teaching science, leading her to hike near her local peaks whilst working as a wildlife specialist. All the while, she had a longing for adventure and a passion for horses, having ridden since childhood. In 2018, she entered the Wild Coast Race, lasting four days and covering 300km in South Africa. Her talent and determination led her to finish in second place, even as the youngest competitor.
In 2022, Anna undertook the Gaucho Derby – a ten-day, 500-kilometre race in Argentina that tests participants in ways that no other race is known to do. Divided into shorter legs, the Gaucho Derby is designed to test skills as opposed to speed, including riding up to 10 different horses. Anna reigned supreme against all the obstacles set in her way, winning the Gaucho Derby in just 8 days. Following her success, in 2025, she once again competed in the Mongol Derby, where she rode for 1000km across the Mongolian Steppe. Over eight days, Anna rode 30 semi-wild horses with only 5kg of gear, often relying on the generosity of local families. With critical decision making due to fatigue, hunger and isolation magnifying any tiny errors, her ability to remain calm and balance collaboration with competition ultimately led her to win the race.
Having worked across numerous startups and in education, Anna has had a very diverse career. Coupled with experiences as an adventurer, Anna has learned a great deal about teamwork, determination, resilience and leadership. Her consistency, composure and sound judgment under immense pressure make her an exceptional keynote speaker. Inspiring audiences of all ages and across diverse industries, Anna's impact lasts well beyond the applause.
Anna Boden's official speaker topics include:
- Performing Under Pressure
- Decision-Making in Uncertainty
- Resilience and Endurance
- Leadership Under Pressure
- Balancing Teamwork With Personal Accountability
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Anna gave a captivating talk on her incredible adventure. She was a vivid storyteller and illustrated her resilience, teamwork and determination quite coherently. I wish I could listen to it again!" - Lucinda, British Equestrian Gold Medallist
- 2025 – Winner of the Mongol Derby
- 2022 – Winner of the Gaucho Derby
- 2018 – Came second in the Wild Coast Race
How to hire Anna Boden
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Anna Boden for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
