James Cracknell OBE is an inspiring sportsman, athlete and adventurer.
One of Britain’s most successful athletes of all time, with 2 Olympic Gold Medals and 6 World Championship titles. His epic rowing finals in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 were two of the most watched sporting contests in history.
Since retiring from competitive rowing in 2006, James has continued to be a household name, carrying out dangerous and gruelling challenges for the BBC and Discovery.
He has also used his passion for adventure and fitness to front successful campaigns to get the nation moving. And, has provided commentary for several high-profile sporting events.
James has completed several challenges since his retirement which have been documented both on screen and in his written accounts.
From late 2005 to the beginning of 2006, James and his friend, Ben Fogle, completed The Race Across the Atlantic, where they placed first. The experience was documented in the BBC show Through Hell and High Water. James and Ben wrote a book about the race, The Crossing: Conquering the Atlantic in the World’s Toughest Rowing Race.
Only two years later in 2008, James paired up with Ben Fogle again, this time alongside Dr Ed Coats, to take part in the gruelling Amundsen Omega3 South Pole Race, which they successfully completed. This adventure was broadcast as ‘On Thin Ice’ on the BBC in 5 x 1 hour, prime-time Sunday night programmes. Again, James wrote about this experience in his book, Race to the Pole.
In 2010 he completed the Marathon des Sables, which consists of the completing the equivalent of six marathons in six days.
He then went on to complete the Yukon Arctic Ultra, cycling over 430 miles in the race across the frozen Alaskan countryside.
In 2010, Cracknell attempted to cross America by cycling, running, rowing and swimming from LA to New York in record time. It was during this trip that James suffered a near-fatal accident after being struck from behind by a truck while cycling through Arizona.
After a difficult six-month recovery period, James went to the Canadian Yukon, completing The Coldest Race on Earth. These stunning adventures transmitted as Unstoppable: The James Cracknell Trilogy on Discovery.
James Cracknell – Motivational Speaker
When not crossing oceans and continents, James Cracknell is in demand as a motivational speaker.
James is happy to work to a client’s brief and will incorporate specific messages to highlight relevant themes.
Speaking topics include:
- Teamwork
- Dedication
- Responsibility
- Drive
- Sacrifice
- Overcoming Setbacks
- Maintaining Excellence
- Responding to Pressure
