Nicola Adams OBE

Nicola Adams OBE – First British Boxer to Successfully Defend Their Olympic Title in 92 Years

Nicola Adams OBE is a pioneering British athlete who changed the face of boxing forever. At the London 2012 Olympic Games, she became the first woman in history to win Olympic Gold in boxing, later defending her title at Rio 2016. Her trailblazing success inspired a surge in female participation across the sport and cemented her status as one of the UK’s most celebrated athletes. Beyond her victories in the ring, Nicola has broken boundaries in media and representation, including appearing as part of the first same-sex partnership on Strictly Come Dancing. Fearless and charismatic, she remains a global inspiration.

Credentials and Impact

Nicola’s influence has unfolded through a remarkable and impactful journey. Her early Olympic triumphs catapulted women’s boxing into the spotlight, culminating in her being appointed MBE in 2013 and elevated to OBE in 2017—honours that reflect her athletic excellence and cultural impact. That same year, she topped the Pink List, cementing her status as a leading advocate within the LGBT+ community.

Her legacy deepened as she retired undefeated from the professional ring, yet continued to contribute far beyond it. She became a Goodwill Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust, spearheading boxing-focused youth engagement initiatives, and served as a long-term Ambassador for Fight for Peace, supporting youth development through sport and education. Earlier, she worked with Street League, helping tackle youth unemployment using the power of sport.

In the most recent Olympic cycle, Nicola took on a mentorship and media role during the Paris 2024 Games, collaborating with the BBC as a boxing analyst and contributing her expertise and insight from outside the competition arena. Through public speaking, media appearances, and advocacy work with organisations and grassroots initiatives, she consistently amplifies messages of resilience, inclusion, and progress. Today, she remains a sought-after keynote speaker celebrated for inspiring audiences worldwide with her pioneering story.

Publications and Media

Nicola has shared her journey in her autobiography, ‘Believe: Boxing, Olympics and My Life Outside the Ring’, offering a candid narrative of her rise to global prominence. She has written insightful pieces on sport, diversity, and inclusion, and regularly appears as a commentator. On screen, Nicola is featured in the biographical documentary ‘Lioness: The Nicola Adams Story’, and has appeared in BBC and ITV documentaries and on programmes like BBC Breakfast to discuss sport and representation.

Why Book Nicola?

Booking Nicola brings audiences the opportunity to hear from one of Britain’s most groundbreaking athletes and an inspiring advocate for resilience and equality. With a career defined by history-making achievements, Nicola speaks powerfully about overcoming adversity, performing under pressure, and breaking barriers in sport and society. Her ability to connect personal experiences with universal lessons ensures her talks resonate with a wide variety of audiences.

As a speaker, Nicola draws on her journey from amateur ranks to undefeated professional, reflecting on the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that shaped her success. She also addresses wider issues such as diversity, inclusion, and LGBT+ representation, making her particularly relevant for organisations seeking to inspire positive change. Whether booked for keynote addresses, after-dinner engagements, or corporate events, Nicola delivers with authenticity, humour, and warmth. Audiences leave motivated to embrace courage, pursue goals, and believe in their potential.

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

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