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Katharine Merry is one of Britain’s most iconic athletes and a highly sought after event host, commentator and presenter.
She enjoyed an elite track and field career spanning more than a decade and went on to forge a high profile media and hosting career at the very highest levels of sport and live events.
Katharine rose to global prominence as a sprinter. Aged 12 she was ranked number one in seven different UK age group events and at 14 became the fastest girl in the world over 60m. Twelve years later she was the fastest woman in the world over 400m and won the bronze medal over 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, running 49.72 seconds. In 2001 she recorded 49.59 seconds, the fastest time in the world that year and one of the fastest ever by a British woman.
Since retiring from athletics in 2005, Katharine has built a leading career in broadcasting and live events. She has worked across TV and radio including regular appearances on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Fighting Talk and various BBC sport shows. Katharine made history as the first female stadium commentator at both a World Athletics Championships and an Olympic Games, a milestone she repeated at the Tokyo Olympic Games and at major global athletics championships.
She is also a highly experienced event host and live presenter with a proven ability to adapt to any audience size, from intimate corporate gatherings to stadium crowds of tens of thousands. Katharine brings deep sporting insight, professionalism and warmth to every brief and is equally at home leading discussion, presenting awards, interviewing talent or commentating in stadium environments.
Off the track, Katharine lives in Birmingham with her family. She was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands in 2021 and is an ambassador for the Aston Villa Foundation.
With experience hosting and commentating at Olympic Games, world championships and major corporate events, Katharine brings authority, warmth and credibility to every stage. She is a natural communicator who puts audiences and speakers at ease, keeps events flowing smoothly and adapts effortlessly to the room. Whether facilitating panel discussions, presenting awards or energising large live audiences, Katharine combines professionalism with an engaging style that elevates every event.
Drawing on her journey from teenage prodigy to Olympic medallist, Katharine explores what it truly takes to perform at the highest level over sustained periods. She shares powerful insights into mindset, preparation, resilience and trust, highlighting how elite sport mirrors the challenges faced by teams in business. Audiences gain practical lessons on building strong team cultures, managing pressure and supporting one another when the stakes are high.
From split second decisions on the track to leadership moments under intense global scrutiny, Katharine offers a compelling perspective on decision making when it matters most. She examines how confidence, clarity and accountability shape outcomes, and how leaders can make strong choices under pressure without losing sight of their people. This talk resonates with leaders navigating change, high expectations and complex environments.
Who better to host the World’s best indoor Event, than the World’s best Infield Presenter, Katharine Merry
We always check Kath’s diary before we book the venue for our Manchester Sports Awards
