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Richard Whitehead MBE is a Paralympic Gold Medallist, world record holder, marathon runner, professional athlete and a global advocate for diversity and inclusion. Born with a double through-knee congenital amputation, Richard has defied expectations from an early age, embracing sport as a way to live without limits, a philosophy instilled by his parents and one that continues to shape his life and inspire others.

Driven by ambition and resilience, Richard set his sights on the marathon over two decades ago, completing the New York Marathon and proving that no dream is too bold. His athletic journey soared from there, winning gold in the T42 200m at the London 2012 Paralympics on home soil and subsequently adding further medals to his Paralympics GB legacy. In 2024, Richard broke the world record for athletes with bilateral knee amputations at the TCS London Marathon and then smashed his own record later that year in Chicago, finishing in an astonishing 2:41:36.

In 2025, Richard completed a remarkable global challenge – 20 marathons across the world, culminating in his 100th career marathon in New York. But this feat wasn’t just about endurance, it was about connection. Through every mile, Richard championed inclusion, accessibility, and community, using sport as a bridge to bring people together.

In 2021, he founded The Richard Whitehead Foundation, a charity dedicated to empowering disabled people through sport and physical activity. The foundation works to remove barriers and unlock potential, reflecting Richard’s unwavering belief that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has a gift worth nurturing.

Richard is officially the fastest amputee runner in the world, and his story is one of grit, positivity, and boundless possibility. He continues to inspire generations to dream bigger, run further, and live without limits. Richard helps individuals and companies to create and develop a sustainable equality, diversity, and inclusion policy for your workplace, school, or organisation, creating a world which is inclusive and accessible for all. He is available for keynote talks, fireside chats, and Q&As.

Richard Whitehead MBE | Speaking Topics

– Diversity and Inclusion
– Resilience and Overcoming Barriers
– Inspiration
– Teamwork and Leadership
– Preparation and Goal Setting
– Self Motivation
– Positive Mindset
– Managing Change and Being Able to Adapt
– Health and Wellbeing
– Drive and Determination
– Maintaining High Performance

Contact Great Sports Speakers today to check Richard’s availability and fees for personal appearances and speaking engagements.