Karen Pickering MBE

Karen Pickering MBE is Great Britain’s most decorated female swimmer ever.

Karen won more major championship medals for Britain than any other female swimmer and won more Commonwealth medals for England of any female athlete in any sport.

She was also the first British female swimmer to win a World Championship title when she took gold in the 200m freestyle in 1993.

Making her international debut in 1986, Karen Pickering went on to win an incredible 73 titles on the national and international stages.

She was four times World Champion, won 14 European Championship medals, 38 British Championship titles and 13 Commonwealth Games medals including 4 Gold.

Her career has been an eventful one. As well as an amazing medal haul, Karen has twice held a World Record, she competed at four consecutive Olympic Games and in 1994 she was awarded an MBE for services to swimming.

Since her retirement from international swimming in 2005, Pickering has become a regular member of the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary team and has taken on a number of roles.

Karen is in much demand as a motivational speaker and is a popular choice for hosting events.

Drawing on a vast career, Karen delivers keynote messages drawing parallels between sport and the business world.

She understands the importance of a balance between individual and team performance and is able to adapt presentations to suit client’s needs.