Chris Holmes

Chris Holmes is best known for his talents in the Paralympic swimming pools. One of the greatest Paralympic swimmers to ever grace the waters, Chris has claimed a staggering nine gold, five silver and one bronze Paralympic medals. Chris also holds the claim to fame as the only Paralympic swimmer to win six gold medals in a single Paralympic Games. He is also widely known for being the captain of the Great Britain swimming team for five years, inspiring others with his talents of both swimming and leadership. One of his most prominent roles fell at the time of the 2012 London Olympic Games, taking on the responsibilities of Director of Paralympic Integration at the Games.

A life tainted by adversity, Chris aspired to become a top sportsman from a young age. Into his teens, he was displayed promising qualities in swimming when he went blind over-night. He was diagnosed with the genetic eye disease Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy, changing his future forever. Despite the adversity that had befallen Chris, he has strived to overcome it and gone on to be hugely successful. Training vigorously, Chris was soon able to perform to a Paralympic worthy standard and qualified for his first games in 1988.

Outside of his impressive performances in the pool, Chris has been a prominent member of many boards. He has previously been involved with the Implementation Board for the UK Sports Institute, the UK Sports Awards Panel, the Board of UK Sport, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Mission 2012 Panel. Other prominent roles include Commissioner for the Disability Rights Commission, Non-executive Director to the Equality and Human Rights Commission and a Non-executive Director to the Channel 4 Board. Chris has also claimed several awards for his talents, including Midlands Today Sports Personality of the Year, Bass Midlander of the Year and appointment of MBE.

Created Life Peer, Baron Holmes of Richmond, Chris has delivered countless debates and speeches focusing on the topics of education, employment, technology and diversity. Now highly sought as an online speaker, Chris has been hired to deliver at a range of events for corporate, public sector, community and charity clients. An engaging virtual speaker with an inspirational story to share, Chris is an advocate for the benefits of diversity and inclusion and influences a more inclusive world.