Chrissie Wellington Keynote Speaker

Chrissie Wellington, a four-time Ironman World Champion, author, and motivational speaker renowned for her extraordinary achievements in triathlon and her dedication to promoting fitness and well-being. With a career marked by record-breaking performances and inspirational storytelling, she has become a leading advocate for health, resilience, and the transformative power of sport.

She holds a degree in Geography from the University of Birmingham in 1998 and her interest in global development and social issues prompted her to pursue a master’s in Development Studies from the University of Manchester in 2001.

After graduating she became an advisor at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs also known as DEFRA, focusing on policies aimed at improving living conditions in developing countries. While at DEFRA, she negotiated for the UK at the World Summit on Sustainable Development and contributed to policy development, including post-conflict environmental reconstruction and water and sanitation. Chrissie left the UK in 2004 to work for Rural Reconstruction Nepal, where she managed a community water sanitation and health project.

Chrissie’s return to the UK led her to start competing in triathlons as an amateur athlete. In 2006 she won the world age group championships and became a professional athlete in 2007. She won her first Ironman World Championship in Kona, and went on to win the prestigious title three more times, in 2008, 2009, and 2011, solidifying her status as one of the greatest triathletes of all time. Her success was marked by a series of world records, including the fastest Ironman distance time set at the Challenge Roth event in 2011, which stood for several years.

Since her retirement in 2012, Chrissie has published two books including her autobiography, “A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey,” a Sunday Times bestselling autobiography published in 2012, offering a candid and motivational account of her journey to the top of the sport. The book has inspired countless readers with its message of perseverance, mental toughness, and the pursuit of excellence. Her second book: “To the Finish Line: A World Champion Triathlete’s Guide To Your Perfect Race” was published in 2017 explores Chrisse as a mentor to aspiring triathletes.

Wellington’s impact extends beyond her accomplishments. She is a passionate advocate for health and fitness, working to promote physical activity and its benefits for mental well-being. She is now Global Head of Health and Wellbeing at Parkrun, a charity that organises volunteer-led, free, weekly 5km events around the world. She came on board with Parkrun to develop the incredibly successful junior Parkrun series and has since developed partnerships with the Royal College of General Practitioners as well as leading the establishment of events on the custodial estate around the UK and overseas.

Chrisse was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010, as well as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to sports and charity. In 2009, she was named Sunday Times Sportswoman of the year. Chrissie married former athlete, Tom Lowe, and settled down in Somerset with their daughter.