Clare Balding

Clare Balding – Recipient of The Royal Television Society’s Sports Presenter of the Year

Clare Balding CBE is one of Britain’s most respected broadcasters, authors, and presenters, renowned for her coverage of major sporting events including the Olympic Games, Paralympics, and Wimbledon. With a career spanning over three decades, she has become a household name for her warmth, professionalism, and depth of knowledge. A former leading figure in horse-racing commentary, Clare has since expanded her influence across television, radio, and publishing. Honoured with numerous awards and recognised for her advocacy of equality and inclusion in sport, she continues to inspire audiences with her storytelling, leadership, and commitment to celebrating sporting excellence and diversity.

Credentials and Impact

Clare Balding graduated from Newnham College, Cambridge, in 1993 with a degree in English. The following year, she joined the BBC as a trainee sports presenter, marking the beginning of an exceptional broadcasting career. In 1995, she made her television debut as a horse-racing commentator and quickly became one of the most recognisable faces in British sports media. Over the next decade, she expanded her work to include coverage of the Grand National, Wimbledon, and major international sporting events.

By the 2000s, Clare had become the BBC’s lead presenter for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as numerous national events, earning widespread respect for her professionalism and insight. She later presented for Channel 4 Racing and continued to lead coverage across BBC Sport. From 2020 to 2022, she served as President of the Rugby Football League, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the development of sport.

Clare is an ambassador and patron for several charities, including the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and the British Paralympic Association. Her work has been recognised with numerous awards, including the Royal Television Society’s Sports Presenter of the Year. She was appointed OBE in 2013 and elevated to CBE in 2022 for services to sport and charity.

Publications and Media

Clare Balding is the author of bestselling books, including ‘My Animals and Other Family’, ‘Walking Home’, ‘The Racehorse Who Learned to Dance’, ‘Fall Off, Get Back On, Keep Going’ and most recently, ‘Pastures New’. She presents BBC Radio 4’s Ramblings and has appeared on numerous television programmes such as The One Show, Have I Got News for You, QI, and Celebrity Traitors. Her broadcasting career showcases her wit, authority, and storytelling versatility across platforms.

Why Book Clare?

Clare Balding is an outstanding choice for events seeking a speaker who combines authority, warmth, and experience. With decades of live broadcasting at the highest level, she brings a wealth of insight into communication, leadership, and resilience. Clare’s background in sports journalism and presenting—from the Olympic Games to Wimbledon—has honed her ability to connect with audiences under pressure and inspire confidence in others.

She speaks with authenticity about equality, inclusion, and the power of storytelling, drawing from her personal journey in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her engaging delivery, sense of humour, and genuine curiosity make her an excellent keynote speaker, host, or panel moderator. Clare tailors her message to resonate with diverse audiences, whether addressing corporate teams, educational institutions, or public events. Booking Clare Balding ensures a memorable, uplifting experience that leaves audiences motivated, informed, and inspired to embrace challenge and change.

To book Clare to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.