As a sporting star, Sharron Davies is firmly positioned in the heart of the nation. Since taking the swimming world by storm in 1976 at the age of 13, Sharron dominated the pool for decades. Now a popular and renowned TV personality and Olympic speaker, she has also worked as a model, powerboat racer, author, interior designer and influential fundraiser; her varied career making her a popular figure for fans of all ages. The talented swimmer broke over 200 British records prior to retiring in 1994, making her a 20-time British Champion. Applying her sporting experience to her after-dinner speaking, Sharron shares her story through articulate, passionate and insightful presentations.
Sharron's pool success started when was selected for the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games, immediately making her a household name. Despite being only 14, Sharron went on to win two European bronze medals and two gold medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games, specialising in the 200m and 400m Individual Medley events. Going from strength to strength, Sharron won a silver medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
After initially retiring at the age of 19 to chase her passion for media, Sharron dedicated her time to developing her communication skills at the expense of training and competing. However, she returned to the water in 1989 to defend her national title in the 200 metres. In 1990, Sharron captained the British Commonwealth Games squad to success, taking home a silver and bronze medal herself. In recognition of her commitment to sports and media, she was twice-voted the British Press Sportswoman of the Year over the course of her three-decade-long career. Sharron's numerous achievements included 5 World Masters records and an MBE for her contribution to swimming.
After twenty years of peak performance, in 1994 Sharron officially retired from competing to move into media. As a key figure in the TV and press, the BBC regularly featured Sharron on their presenting team, commenting on championships including Seoul, Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London Olympics Games. Sharron celebrated her 10th Olympiad as a competitor and broadcaster at the London 2012 Games. Similarly to her extensive sporting career, Sharron was a prolific TV personality, featuring on The Big Breakfast, Superstars, Gladiators and as the subject of a Channel 4 documentary. She also hosted a highly successful ITV show on called Perfect Parenting pitched as 'a survival guide for every struggling parent'.
Turning to printed publications like Total Sport, Cosmopolitan and The Independent, Sharron shared her knowledge on topics such as sport and lifestyle. Progressing her TV career away from presenting, Sharron took part in some of the most popular UK shows, appearing on Question of Sport, They Think It's All Over, Dancing on Ice and Britain's Best Dish. Thanks to her likeable personality and natural ability on screen, Sharron also featured in the series French and Saunders, staring in the hilarious synchro swimming sketch.
A common feature on countless bookshelves across the country is Sharron’s various published works, from fitness and swimming to pregnancy she shares her expertise through numerous mediums. Despite her busy schedule, Sharon has also dedicated her time to representing different charities, including Disabled Sport England and The Sports Aid Foundation. Founded alongside Princess Diana over 15 years ago, she hosts an annual swimming event called Swim for Life, which spans across 2,000 nationwide pools and raises millions of pounds each year. With her reputation in the media industry, Sharron is in constant high demand for media work.
Sharron is an exceptional addition to any event. With her decades of life experience, both in the pool and onscreen, she is regularly found on stage presenting to audiences into their thousands. Specialising in motivation and after-dinner speaking, she talks candidly about her journey to the top, the pressure associated with peak performance and valuing your personal growth above all else. With her varied expertise and ability to read the room, audiences are captivated by Sharron’s enigmatic presenting style. From honest Q&A’s, entertaining award ceremonies to professional presentations, Sharron’s versatility lends herself to any event.
