Anna Hemmings- motivational speaker

SPORT AND
PERFORMANCE

Anna Hemmings is Britain’s most successful female marathon kayaker with a staggering eleven World and European Championship medals, 9 of them gold.

By the age of 24, Anna had been World Champion 3 times and competed at the Olympic Games. In 2010 she was awarded an MBE for her services to sport.

She achieved this success against all the odds…

At the peak of her career, Anna was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and was told by medical experts she might never race again. She battled her way to full recovery and went on to win a further 3 world titles and compete at her second Olympic Games in Beijing 2008.

Achievements and Recognition

Anna’s achievements were recognised by various bodies including The Queen, who awarded Anna an MBE in the 2010 New Year’s
honours list for services to sport.

In 2001 Anna graduated from Royal Holloway College, University of London with a BSc Honours degree in Economics and Management (2:1).

In 2007 the University recognised Anna’s achievements and awarded her with an Honorary Fellowship.

Career Highlights

1996
World Championships Silver
Surrey Sports Personality of the Year
1997
European Championships Gold
World Cup Gold
1998
World Championships Silver
1999
European Championship Gold
World Championship Gold
2000
Sydney Olympic Games – Semi Finalist
2001
2 x World Championship Gold (K1 & K2)
2005
World Championship Gold
European Championship Gold
Sunday Times Sports Woman of the Year Awards – winner of the Champions Award
2006
World Championship Gold
2007
World Championship Gold
Honorary Fellowship Awarded by Royal Holloway University of London
2008
Beijing Olympic Games K2 500m Heats
Surrey Sports Personality of the Year
2010
Awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List
Anna lives in South West London with her husband Neil and loves being a mum to their two children, Sofia and Luke. Although Anna doesn't kayak much anymore, she enjoys running and keeping fit. Additionally, family ski holidays are among her favourite activities, along with adventure, exercise, and precious family time on the slopes.