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Olympic champion & resilience expert

James Cracknell

Transform resilience and peak performance with James Cracknell, speaker, Olympic champion and adventure athlete. James works with organisations to develop mental toughness, overcome adversity, and achieve breakthrough results, delivering powerful insights backed by two Olympic gold medals and six world championship titles.

Trusted by Discovery, BBC, Policy Exchange

James Cracknell, Speaker | Olympic Champion & Extreme Adventurer
James Cracknell

James Cracknell

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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James Cracknell's biography

At a glance

  • Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion Rower
  • Adventurer known for extreme endurance challenges and expeditions
  • Television presenter and author documenting his adventures and races
James Cracknell OBE, with two Olympic gold medals and six world championship titles under his belt, is an inspiring sportsman, athlete and adventurer. In 2010, James Cracknell took on America- racing to cycle, run, row and swim from LA to New York in record time. It was during this trip that James suffered a near-fatal accident after being struck from behind by a truck while cycling through Arizona. After a difficult six-month recovery period, James went to the Canadian Yukon, completing The Coldest Race on Earth. These stunning adventures are transmitted as 'Unstoppable: The James Cracknell Trilogy' on Discovery. Following this, James made a series for Discovery, 'World's Toughest Expeditions'. The series sees James pushing himself to the limit of endurance. James has also completed the gruelling Amundsen Omega3 South Pole Race with friends Ben Fogle and Dr Ed Coats and 'The Race Across The Atlantic', again with Ben Fogle. Both journeys were aired on the BBC and were accompanied by the books Race to the Pole (MacMillan) and The Crossing. James's recent programming saw him and Ben cross the Empty Quarter on camelback, which aired on the BBC in 2013, Ben & James Versus the Arabian Desert. James is in demand as an entertaining corporate and motivational host when not crossing oceans and continents. Not to mention training for marathons, the Great North Run and many other races in the UK. James is Vice President of the Charity 'Headway' and has been appointed to lead Policy Exchange work on obesity and physical activity.

James's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Fostering Resilient Teams
Fostering resilient teams is about daily behaviours, habits, and communication styles, and it is focused on creating an environment that minimises emotional resilience and gives opportunities to recharge. Boost the team's spirit, energy and motivation. The session is anchored in science and very practical so that participants leave with a good understanding of what low resilience looks like, how change affects resilience and, most importantly, with a set of tools to foster better resilience within their teams. The session is organised around three themes: - Signs of low resilience - Manage your inner leader: the message - Resilient communication: how to deliver the message

Why we recommend booking James

James Cracknell OBE embodies resilience, determination, and the power of overcoming adversity, making him an unparalleled source of inspiration for your team or business. His captivating stories of conquering the world's toughest expeditions will ignite a drive for excellence and innovation in your audience. Booking James ensures a transformative experience, encouraging a mindset shift towards achieving the seemingly impossible with unwavering perseverance.

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Trusted by Discovery, BBC, Policy Exchange

Testimonials

The intensity of his desire to win provoked an extremely positive reaction.

Prudential

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book James Cracknell for my next event?
Email james.cracknell.obe@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm James's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is James Cracknell's speaking style like?
James delivers inspiring and motivational talks, drawing on his extraordinary endurance feats and recovery journey. His engaging style resonates with audiences, encouraging resilience, determination, and a positive approach to overcoming challenges.

What topics does James Cracknell specialise in?
James Cracknell specialises in discussing sports, adventure, motivational speaking and more.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.