James Cracknell is an inspirational speaker of the highest order. A former Olympic gold medallist, he was a key part of the rowing dream team alongside Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent. He showcased his talent and drive for peak performance early in his career, joining Team GB in the late 1990s. Together with this exceptional rowing team, James won six World Rowing Championships and secured two Olympic gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. His dedication and achievements in rowing led to his appointment as an OBE for services to sport in 2005.
After his Olympic success, James embarked on a series of gruelling endurance challenges, solidifying his reputation not just as an athlete but also as an adventurer. He partnered with Ben Fogle in the 2005-06 Atlantic Rowing Race, where they crossed the Atlantic in 49 days, 19 hours, and 8 minutes. Their journey was documented in the BBC Two programme Through Hell and High Water, and they later co-authored a book titled The Crossing: Conquering the Atlantic in the World's Toughest Rowing Race.
Not one to shy away from extreme challenges, James again teamed up with Ben Fogle and Ed Coats for the Amundsen Omega3 South Pole Race in 2008. The team faced blizzards, exhaustion, and frostbite, completing the 473.6-mile trek in second place. The BBC also captured this expedition in the series On Thin Ice. Further pushing his limits, James became the highest-placed Briton in the Marathon des Sables in 2010, an achievement broadcast by the Discovery Channel in The Toughest Race on Earth. He later finished second in the Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 430-mile race across the frozen Alaskan countryside, and completed the 2012 London Marathon in under three hours.
In 2018, James continued to defy expectations by enrolling at Cambridge University for an MPhil degree in human evolution. The following year, he made history by becoming the oldest rower to compete in the Boat Race, leading Cambridge to victory at the age of 46. That same year, he took on a new challenge by participating in BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Today, James Cracknell is among the UK's most compelling motivational speakers, having previously spoken for Google and other large organisations. His journey from Olympic champion to endurance athlete, combined with his recovery and resilience after facing blizzards, makes him an inspiration to audiences in universities, schools, and corporate events.
Watch James Cracknell in action in his recent talk, How to Make the Boat Go Faster.
Social Media
Books
Touching Distance: The Autobiography
Race To The Pole
James Cracknell's No-Gym Health Plan
The Crossing. Conquering the Atlantic in the World's Toughest Rowing Race
Reviews
James Cracknell received a 5 star rating across 22 events in 2023
Agent Recommendation
"James Cracknell is the perfect choice for events seeking an inspirational and engaging speaker. With Olympic gold medals, endurance challenges, and a remarkable comeback story after a life-changing injury, he offers unique insights into resilience, teamwork, and peak performance. James captivates audiences with his incredible journey and motivational message."
How to hire James Cracknell
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring James Cracknell 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.
James Cracknell's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Sporting success
- Peak performance
- Training and preparation
- Mental resilience
- Setting and achieving goals
- Overcoming obstacles
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"James was recently involved in a cycling accident while trying to cycle, row, run and swim from Los Angeles to New York within 16 days. When he talks about the challenges he faces in trying to return to full health, we get an insight into his great courage and determination" - Chartwell
"Excellent, natural. His talk was inspirational and really added a 'human' and emotional connection to our business-orientated agenda." - Adobe Systems Europe Ltd
"We were all in awe that he could speak for over an hour in a thoroughly interesting, amusing and sometimes humble way." - University of Surrey
"A great speaker. His presentation was excellent and inspiring. As a person, he was also incredibly approachable, warm and friendly." - Oliver James Associates
"Relaxed, self-deprecating style, ideal light-hearted conclusion to a strenuous conference. Very amenable to book signings." - The IT Service Management Forum
"James Cracknell was inspirational - really tied into the theme of the event and how he spoke about reaching out for help. It was something to be there and hear his story in his own words." - Linda, Colleague Experience & Events Manager, Sky
- 2023 - Recognised as one of the Top 100 Influential People
- 2021 - Ran the London Marathon in under three hours
- 2019 - Made history as the oldest winner in the Boat Race
- 2018 - Enrolled in an MPhil degree at Cambridge University
- 2010 - Cycled in an endurance race across North America
- 2010 - Highest-placed Briton in the Marathon des Sables
- 2008 - Embarked on the Amundsen Omega3 South Pole Race
- 2005 - Finished second in the Atlantic Rowing Race with Ben Fogle
- 2005 - Appointed OBE for services to sport
- 2004 - Won Olympic Gold at the Athens Olympic Games
- 2001 - Won the World Championship, securing a rare double victory
- 2000 - Won Olympic Gold at the Sydney Olympic Games
