Book Karen Pickering MBE | Ex Swimming Champ

Former Olympic and World Champion Swimmer

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.

For more info on Karen Pickering MBE, email us or speak with an agent on 01275 463222

“Charming and witty both in her speech as well as informally over dinner, Karen was a delight to meet and a pleasure to listen to."

Institute of Directors, Suffolk Branch

"Your speech was much enjoyed by all who heard it and was both entertaining and thought-provoking. It provided a fitting finale to our evening of celebration."

David Ansell, Richmond upon Thames College

"I enjoy the way you infused motivation using story telling. It's really engaging. You have what it takes to be a champ."

HK Chan, Research Student, Newcastle University

“Karen has a rare ability to make every person in the room feel as if she is talking directly to them. She makes her experience feel relevant and relatable, even though her audience is highly unlikely to be winning gold medals in anything any time soon. Above all, she is down to earth and tremendous fun – I am still receiving emails from attendees talking about how great she was two weeks later. Thanks again for making our event so successful and memorable.”

Kath Coar, Senior Counsel, GE Capital

“To hear the commitment to success and the hard work you put in to your success was truly inspirational. I felt moved throughout and found my eyes watering for no apparent reason just hearing the stories."

Norman Allan, Finance Director, DW Windsor Lighting

Karen Pickering MBE

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Former Olympic and World Champion Swimmer

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