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Olympic legend & resilience speaker

Derek Redmond

Transform organisational resilience with Derek Redmond, speaker, Olympic legend and motivational expert. Derek works with corporate audiences to deliver powerful lessons in determination, overcoming adversity, and peak performance, recognised among the UK's top 15 motivational speakers with over 1000 keynotes across 52 countries.

Trusted by HIT Training, Small Heath Star Academies

Derek Redmond
Derek Redmond

Derek Redmond

Milton Keynes, 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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Milton Keynes, 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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Derek Redmond's biography

At a glance

  • Set new British 400m record in 1985
  • Inspirational moment at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics
  • Transitioned to motivational speaker and author
Derek Redmond doesn't just talk about resilience. He's lived it in front of 65,000 people. A World and European relay champion, Derek held the British 400m record twice and was part of the team that stunned the athletics world at the 1991 World Championships, beating the favourites USA to claim gold in the 4x400m relay. Their run remains the second fastest in history. But it's Barcelona that most people remember. In the 1992 Olympic semi-final, Derek tore his hamstring 250 metres from the finish. He got up, and he finished the race anyway, his father at his side, a stadium on its feet. The moment has been referenced by Barack Obama, featured in Visa and Nike campaigns, and voted one of the most inspirational in Olympic history by NBC. Now one of the UK's most sought-after motivational speakers, Derek has delivered over 1,000 keynotes across 52 countries, speaking to audiences as large as 78,000. In 2025, he was recognised in both the UK's top 15 motivational speakers and Global Gurus' top 10 for corporate events. His message cuts through because it's real. Derek speaks directly to teams about what it takes to keep going when things fall apart, how to perform under pressure, and why finishing matters even when the race doesn't go to plan. If you want your audience to leave with something they'll actually carry with them, book Derek Redmond.

Derek's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Dealing With Racism (My Story)
Derek Redmond talks about the fundamentals of diversity and his experience with racism.
Mental Resilience And How To Grow It
Discover the secrets of mental resilience and how to grow it.

Why we recommend booking Derek

Derek Redmond offers your team or business the unique opportunity to learn resilience, teamwork, and determination from a world-class athlete. His inspirational story and practical insights can motivate your group to overcome challenges, enhance performance, and achieve excellence, making him an invaluable asset for any event.

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Trusted by HIT Training, Small Heath Star Academies

Testimonials

Dear Kelly and Jamie, I hope you’re both well. I just wanted to take a moment to express our (all of us at HIT Training) heartfelt thanks for arranging for Derek Redmond to speak at our conference last week. Derek delivered a phenomenal keynote that truly left a lasting impact on ourcolleagues. His speech was not only on-point to the brief but also deeply emotional and incredibly inspiring. I took a moment to look around during his session and it was evident that every single person in the room was hanging on to his every word. The standing ovation he received at the end was a testament to the powerful effect his message had on everyone present and when speaking to people at dinner they were nothing but complimentary on his keynote. It was a fantastic moment for us to have at our conference, and we’re so grateful for his contribution to the success of the event. Thank you again for making this experience possible. We look forward to working together again in the future! Best regards, Chris

Chris Rose

Marketing Director

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Derek Redmond for my next event?

What is Derek Redmond's speaking style like?

Derek Redmond draws on first-person athletic narrative, centring his keynotes on the 1992 Barcelona Olympic semi-final in which he tore his hamstring and completed the race with his father's support, using that lived experience as a throughline to illustrate resilience, performance under pressure, and the value of finishing.

What topics does Derek Redmond specialise in?

Derek Redmond speaks on mental resilience, racism and personal experience of diversity, and performance under pressure. He is a World and European relay champion whose 1992 Barcelona Olympic moment, finishing a semi-final after tearing his hamstring with his father by his side, has been referenced by Barack Obama and voted one of the most inspirational in Olympic history by NBC.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

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

Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.