Dame Kelly Holmes

View text only version of Kelly Holmes interview

Dame Kelly Holmes, athletics

Dame Kelly Holmes is one of the most iconic faces of British sport. She secured her place in British history by becoming the first ever British athlete to win both the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Olympic Games. Dame Kelly's achievements on the track in 2004 mark her as one of the most successful British athletes in history. Her successes were duly acknowledged through a series of high profile awards and accolades including the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, European Athlete of the year, Laureus World Sports Woman of the Year, and in 2005 the ultimate honour of a Damehood from the Queen in the New Years Honours lists.

Having served her country as a Physical Training Instructor in the British Army for over 9 years and achieved her lifelong dream of becoming an Olympic Champion, she continues to strive for excellence in everything she does and in 2006 was appointed as the National School Sport Champion a post she held for 3 years. The opportunity to witness at first hand the immense pool of youth talent in the UK is hugely important to Dame Kelly and recognising the need to nurture and develop this talent,set up her successful mentoring and education initiative 'On Camp with Kelly' for 60 young aspiring middle distance athletes. ' Dame Kelly has also set up her own charity the DKH Legacy Trust.

The Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust aims to harness the expertise of retired sporting champions and realise the talent in others. Kelly is delighted to be working with BT as the Trust's first Corporate Sponsor, in a programme that is backing the talent of elite young sports people.

This year also saw Dame Kelly named as the new President of Commonwealth Games England.

“When I stood on the podium in Athens five years ago, I had realised a lifelong dream. The journey I had been on had many highs and lows, all of which contributed to my final success in winning my two gold medals. Having achieved this goal, I needed to decide a new direction for my life. I knew I had a lot to give and wanted a chance to make a difference to people.”