Karen Pickering Biography

The most accomplished and decorated female swimmer to have ever come from British shores, Karen Pickering is a truly inspirational figure in the world of sport and beyond. Her achievements over a successful career are almost unbelievable and as such Karen is well placed to talk to a wide rang of audiences about what it takes to get to the top, how to stay there, how to stay motivated and many more subjects besides. Because of this it is no wonder she is the Chairwoman of the British Athletes Commission (BAC) and provides a link between Business and swimming foundation KP Swim. Karen first made her swimming debut in 1986 and from then until retirement she won an amazing 73 titles on the world and national stage. A four time World Champion, Karen also won 14 European Championships, 13 Commonwealth Games medals (four of which were gold) and 38 British Championship titles. In 2002 at the Commonwealth Games she picked up two more golds and a silver in front of a home crowd and was honoured by carrying the national flag in the closing ceremony. Since retirement Karen has become a regular voice on the BBC 5Live commentary team and an executive on the board of British Sport. Also an ambassador for SportsAid, Karen is a hugely professional speaker and motivational figure who can inspire and entertain as well as educate and edify any audience from any background. She is amusing and on point in her deliveries and she can connect with corporate clients as well as young children and plenty in between.