Nicola Adams is widely celebrated as Great Britain’s most successful female boxer and a trailblazing figure in the world of sport. As the first woman to win Olympic gold in boxing, she has carved out a legacy not only through her sporting achievements but also by championing causes close to her heart – diversity, inclusion, and LGBT+ rights. Her journey, marked by perseverance and boundary-breaking moments, has made her a sought-after motivational speaker. Nicola now inspires corporate audiences by sharing her remarkable career and the personal values that have guided her to success.
From an early age, Nicola was determined to make her mark in boxing. She became the first woman to represent England in the sport in 2001, and by 2003 she had claimed her first national title as English Amateur Champion. Her international breakthrough came in 2007 when she secured a silver medal at the European Championships. Over the following years, she added further accolades, culminating in an historic gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics. Four years later, she returned to the ring at the Rio Games and became the first British boxer in nearly a century to defend an Olympic title.
Nicola retired from professional boxing in 2019 due to injury, but not before securing her place in history. She remains the only female boxer to have won titles at the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Her career earned her numerous honours, including an MBE and later an OBE for services to boxing. Beyond sport, she broke new ground on television, forming part of the first same-sex pairing on “Strictly Come Dancing”. Though her time on the show was cut short, her role was pivotal in championing LGBT+ visibility. She continues to be recognised for her activism, having topped several lists of influential LGBT+ individuals in the UK.
As a motivational speaker, Nicola is hired not just for her sporting legacy but for the powerful messages she conveys about overcoming adversity and challenging social norms. Whether sharing insights into elite performance or addressing issues of equality and inclusion, Nicola’s presence at events energises and educates audiences. Her journey makes her a compelling speaker for those looking to inspire courage, resilience, and change.
Most recently, Nicola Adams was inducted into the Top Speakers to Book for International Women's Day, commending her inspiring sporting talent.
