Lord Chris Holmes MBE
Director of 2012 Paralympic Integration
About
Lord Chris Holmes MBE is Britain’s most successful individual Paralympic swimmer, having won nine gold medals, five silver, and one bronze. He played a crucial role as the Director of Paralympic Integration for the London 2012 Games, where he was responsible for integrating the Paralympic Games into the overall event strategy. Prior to this role, Chris had a successful career as a commercial lawyer.
Career Highlights
- Swimming Achievements: Chris won numerous World and European titles, broke 35 World Records, and earned the M.B.E. for his services to British sport.
- Director of Paralympic Integration: Managed the Paralympic Games for London 2012, ensuring a seamless integration with the Olympic Games.
- Disability Rights Commissioner: Served on the board, audit, and legal committees for over five years, advocating for disability rights.
- Ambassador: Actively involved in the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid and continues to support various charities including the Youth Sport Trust, the British Paralympic Association, and Help for Heroes.
- Board Member at UK Sport: Contributed to ensuring a strong performance pathway for athletes competing in the London 2012 Games.
What He Offers
Chris Holmes’ presentations are both inspirational and informative, sharing his journey from losing his sight at age 14 to becoming a gold medallist and World record holder by age 20. His experience in public speaking, communications, and engagement with various sectors allows him to connect deeply with his audiences, offering valuable lessons in goal setting, personal leadership, and overcoming adversity.
Topics
- Goal Setting
- Personal Leadership
- Performance Building
- Maintaining a Team
- Adapting to Change
- Coaching and Individual Development Workshops
Languages
He presents in English.
How He Presents
Chris Holmes delivers passionate and engaging presentations, drawing on his extensive experience in both sports and business. His ability to connect with diverse audiences—ranging from commercial and public sector to community organizations—ensures that his messages are both relevant and impactful. His background in diplomacy and advocacy allows him to tailor his speeches to resonate with any audience.
