Keynote SpeakersRichard Whitehead MBE is a Paralympic Gold Medallist, world record holder, marathon runner, and passionate champion of diversity and inclusion.
Born with a double through-knee congenital amputation, Richard developed a passion for sport early on.
His parents encouraged him to participate in sports and taught him to live life without limits… a philosophy that has defined his life and those around him.
Over twenty years ago, Richard dreamt of running a marathon, signed up, and completed the New York Marathon. Since that incredible achievement, he has won gold and silver medals in the Paralympics GB team, including a gold medal in the T42 200 metres on home soil in London 2012.
In March 2024, Richard achieved a World Record for athletes with bilateral knee amputations at the TCS London Marathon. By training and working hard throughout the year, he smashed his own record, running the Chicago Marathon in 2:41:36 in October.
Richard Whitehead is currently the fastest amputee runner in the world. As a result, he is undertaking an epic 20-marathon challenge around the world throughout 2025. This will bring his career marathon total to an incredible 100. He aims to connect with communities and share his mission of true inclusion.
Richard Whitehead Motivational Speaker
As a popular inspirational speaker, Richard’s keynote topics include:
- Resilience
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Positive Mindset
- High Performance
Launched in 2021, Richard is also the founder and president of The Richard Whitehead Foundation, a charity which enables disabled people’s ambitions through sport and activity and removes barriers.
Throughout Richard’s long and inspiring career, his belief has remained that anything is possible. Whatever age or ability you are, everyone has a gift and potential to nurture and fulfil.
