Cricket legend Michael Holding was famous for his beautifully smooth and extremely fast bowling. Since his retirement, he has become an award-winning author, experienced television presenter and highly requested after-dinner speaker. He is an inspiring speaker with his social commentary on racism, particularly the importance of education in combating racism, highlighting his great character. He holds the West Indian bowling record of 14 wickets for 149.
Michael's cricket career started as a young child when his father set him up in a local cricket club in Kingston. By the time he was 21, he was making his debut for the West Indies cricket team against Australia. During his debut, he managed to bowl faster than Australia fastest bowler, clocking a speed of 97mph at the time, a frightening speed. Michael was nicknamed 'Whispering Death' due to the near-silent run-up and deadly bowling ability. He went on to play for teams such as Derbyshire, Lancashire and Tasmania.
He has been awarded a place in both the Federation of International Cricketers Association Hall of Fame and the ICC Hall of Fame such was his ability. While he was a gifted cricketer he quickly realised that cricket at the time would not provide the financial stability he wanted. He earned a degree in Computer Science and then pursued a career in punditry first in radio before becoming a television broadcaster spending several years with Sky Sport and SuperSport as well as Radio Jamaica.
Michael has written 3 books, 'Whispering Death' which was published in 1988 before he retired and 'No Holding Back' which was published in 2010. More recently in 2020, he published 'Why we Kneel, How We Rise' which became a number 1 Amazon bestseller and received rave positive reviews. Why We Kneel has been described as one of the most important sportsbooks, it was awarded the 'William Hill Sports Book of the Year'.
His captivation discussion on Sky Sports on the Black Lives Matter movement was one of the most talked-about segments on the channel during the peak of the movement - he shared his lived experience of racism drawing the attention of the entire nation. Michael is a naturally gifted and authoritative speaker, he is a great choice as an after-dinner speaker or for corporate events. He delivers his unique perspective with charm, the embodiment of style and substance.
