James Cracknell

As an Olympic speaker, Cracknell delivers invaluable advice about achieving peak performance as well as relaying stories from other adventures and accomplishments he has taken on since his retirement from sport. James’ engaging and informative approach as an after dinner speaker and event host make James a favourite amongst audiences on every occasion.

James won Olympic gold in both the 2000 Sydney Games and 2004 Athens Games. James was part of a golden era for British rowing alongside Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent, winning consecutive World Championships on the journey to Olympic Gold. James’ consistency and continuous display of world class form pays tribute to his tireless work to maintain peak performance throughout his career, a skill that James can transfer between sporting and business environments as an Olympic speaker.

After retiring from competitive sport, James turned his hand to some of the most challenging races and challenges the world has to offer. In 2005, Cracknell teamed up with friend Ben Fogle to compete in the Atlantic Rowing Race, crossing the vast expanse of water in just under 50 days and achieving second place for their respective class of rower. Their outstanding achievement was documented in a BBC Production Through Hell and High Water, as well a book written by the pair.

The pair suffered from gruesome injuries and mental trauma yet overcame all adversities to finish in remarkable time. An ability to achieve goals no matter the obstacles faced make James a sought after motivational speaker and sports speaker.

James has also proven a wonderful ability to present and commentate on sport, motoring, cookery and gardening with eloquence and charm. Cracknell forms part of ITV coverage of the World Superbike Championship as well as Channel 4’s Red Bull Air Race Series. A desirable television Presenter, James can provide his valuable insight and views on a wide range of topics with utmost professionalism and warmth.

Equally adept as an event host or conference facilitator, James can establish an underlying theme as a keynote speaker whilst ensuring the event goes to plan and runs on time throughout the entirety of the proceedings.

"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 (ITSMF)

"Very good - could perhaps have related his rowing etc to business a little more and referred to how motivation and determination etc transfers to everyday life/business." - Business to Business Exhibitions Ltd

"James was perfect for our event. Articulate, fun, and proved very popular. He was also very relaxed about time!" - AC Nielsen

"Poignant, steady and smooth. He achieved just the audience reaction I was hoping for and it rounded off the day perfectly." - BT

"We were delighted with your keynote address, which kept the audience captivated, amused and inspired." - Sussex Enterprise

"He went down a storm - his presentation was interesting and engaging and I had many positive comments afterwards." - Accenture

"The presentation is fascinating and is well supported by his video sequences." - Managing Director NSPM AG

"He spoke well about how it feels to be part of a successful team and gave good advice on the critical elements of teamwork." - Royal Bank of Scotland

"He was very easy to work with and great for our small audience. His manner worked really well with a select group." - Standard Life Investments