“I was 12 when I started and 34 before I achieved my dream, that should give people hope.” - Kelly Holmes
The Athens 2004 Games witnessed one of the greatest stories in the history of modern athletics. Despite a career plagued by injuries, Kelly arrived at the Games in perfect shape and at the age of 34 became the oldest woman to win either the 800m or the 1500m, let alone both!
Inspired by Sebastian Coe, Kelly Holmes continued competing in middle distance running after joining the British Army in her youth. She won her first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1994 after turning professional in the early nineties. The career that followed was a testament to perseverance and dedication.
She won a host of personal awards for her outstanding double gold medal haul in Athens in 2004, and was appointed a dame by the Queen in 2005. She retired from athletics that year but has continued to be a prominant and well-loved figure in British sport.
Dame Kelly Holmes is one of a host of cherished British Olympians new to Icons. We couldn't be happier to have her on board, and we offer a fantastic range of her personally signed memorabilia in association with the official licensee Innovative Sports Ltd.