- Conference Speakers
Topics:
- Motivation & Teamwork
- Sport
James Cracknell
James’ outstanding sporting achievements, intelligence and good sense of humour have made him a popular choice of corporate speaker. He has an ability to tailor his experiences to captivate and motivate a variety of audiences, James has inspired and entertained many blue chip clients including the likes of BT, GlaxoSmithKline, Hewlett-Packard and McDonald’s.
A True British Sporting Hero
Winning Gold in Athens was one of the most heart stopping races in history and confirmed James Cracknell as one of the most successful and inspiring athletes of the modern era. Currently Double Olympic Champion and World Record holder along with partner Matthew Pinsent, he is one of Britain’s true sporting heroes.
Inspiring and Motivating Speaker
James won his first Olympic Gold and the hearts of the nation in the legendary coxless four in Sydney 2000, together with Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent and Tim Foster. After four years of intense training and determination, James repeated this incredible performance in Athens, winning his second Olympic Gold medal in a nail biting final with Matthew Pinsent, Steve Williams and Ed Coode.
James has also had phenomenal success in the coxless pairs, forming a partnership with Matthew Pinsent after the Sydney Olympics. In their first season together they embraced the momentous challenge of competing in the coxed and coxless pair races at the 2001 World Championships in the same afternoon. In front of a huge crowd in Lucerne, they snatched both Golds, achieving the one feat that had eluded Sir Steve Redgrave.
To go one better in the 2002 World Championships in Seville, the pair successfully retained the coxless pairs title, obliterating the competition with an incredible time of 6:14.27 and smashing the world record by nearly four seconds.
In preparation for the 2004 Olympics, James and Matthew switched back into the coxless four with Steve Williams and ultimately Ed Coode who replaced Alex Partridge after he suffered a punctured lung a month before the Games. But not even a late replacement could deter the team from clinching Gold – and the nation’s hearts once again.
In recognition of his achievements and character, James is the youngest ever Captain of England's oldest rowing club Leander, where he has taken great steps to break down the traditional barriers to rowing, and build a young, vibrant club which is achieving its best ever results in all age groups.
But the life of one of Britain's most successful athletes is not all boats and water. James is an ex-teacher and a masters graduate, and when he isn't riding his motorbike or surfing, he is busy making regular TV and radio appearances. His wide appeal means that he is as likely to be found on Children's BBC as he is on a debate for Radio 5 and he has presented gongs at the BAFTAs as well as the Disney Channel Kids Awards. Also a firm favourite with the lifestyle press, James is admired by the public for his style and success and has been the recipient of many lifestyle awards.
James Cracknell together with TV presenter Ben Fogle received much media attention in January 2006 when they rowed the Atlantic for charity.
"James was an excellent choice for the speaker slot. He spoke well about how it feels to be part of a new and ultimately successful team and gave some good advice on the critical elements of forming good teams".
Royal Bank of Scotland
