Montell Douglas is a truly inspirational British athlete who has made history across both Summer and Winter Olympic Games – the first female British Olympian to achieve this rare feat.
A record-breaking sprinter turned bobsleigh competitor, Montell’s journey is one of adaptability, resilience and a powerful belief in what’s possible with hard work and determination.
She first made her mark on the athletics world as one of Britain’s fastest women, breaking the national 100m record in 2008 with a blistering time of 11.05 seconds – a record that stood for over a decade. From the Olympic Stadium in Beijing to the icy tracks of the Winter Games, Montell has proven time and again that limits are only there to be pushed.
After a hugely successful athletics career, Montell embraced a new challenge – joining Team GB’s bobsleigh squad and going on to represent her country at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in the two-woman event. Her transition between sports highlights not only her exceptional physical ability, but her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and reinvent herself.
Beyond sport, Montell continues to inspire new audiences. She features as ‘Fire’ on the BBC’s reboot of Gladiators and is a contestant in the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, proving her versatility and popularity off the track as well.
With over 15 years of experience delivering motivational talks, Montell is a passionate advocate for self-belief, mental resilience, and using setbacks as a springboard to future success. Her story resonates with young people and adults alike, and she regularly speaks at schools, events, and community programmes for occasions such as International Women’s Day, Black History Month and Mental Health Awareness Week.
Montell Douglas is living proof that when you embrace change, chase your goals, and never give up, you can achieve extraordinary things – in any arena.
What makes a team truly successful? Our athletes reveal the secrets behind high performing teams, whether it is a sports squad, a relay team, or a support network behind the scenes. They share how trust, clear roles, good communication, and a shared goal lead to outstanding results. Pupils will learn how these lessons apply not just in sport, but in school groups, projects, and friendships too.
Reaching the top in sport takes more than talent. It requires leadership and performing at your very best when it matters most. In this talk, our athletes share how they prepare to deliver under pressure, lead by example, and bring out the best in themselves and those around them. Pupils will learn how strong leadership, focus, and self-belief can help them achieve their own peak performance in school, sport, and life.
Behind every athlete’s success is the importance of looking after their mind as well as their body. In this honest and supportive talk, our athletes open up about how they manage pressure, deal with setbacks, and stay mentally healthy. Pupils will hear positive, practical advice on looking after their own wellbeing, coping with stress, and the importance of speaking up and supporting each other.
Honest, funny and radiating energy and stories like “so I broke this record and then my hamstring detached…” gave a sobering view on the necessary attitude and determination to make a champion
Montell was absolutely brilliant in the lead up to the event and at the event itself. Nothing was too much trouble and she inspired not only the young people but the staff and parents too. Montell was extremely popular with the young people and engaged with them brilliantly, signing loads of autographs and having pictures taken. She was very patient and left no requests for autographs or pictures unanswered, which is a credit to her especially as she had another engagement to get to after ours.
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
Address:
Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 1RD
Phone:
020 7993 2724
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
