National Treasure; Dame Kelly Holmes

Dame Kelly Holmes is a true British treasure, battling for her country in the British Army and representing Team GB at several Games.

The double gold medallist dreamt of Olympic gold glory after watching Sebastian Coe cross the finish line to win the 1,500m at the 1984 Games. Such inspiration and determination made Kelly the 1990’s most promising track athletes in Team GB, specialising in middle-distance running. Dame Kelly Holmes famously won two gold medals in Athens in 2004 with unforgettable runs in which she set personal best times. She was the first to win two golds at one Games since Albert Hill in 1920.

As well as being a phenomenal sportsperson, Kelly has a heart of gold. Her running career started from 1993, lasting just over a decade and since then the athlete has been training and supporting the future generation of young athletes, giving them a chance to learn from a world class sporting legend.

Kelly Holmes was deservedly appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in 2005.