Kelly Sotherton had immense success as a heptathlete and also raced in the 4 x 400m women’s relay team. A triple Olympic medallist, as well as a Gold medallist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, she also won further medals at the European and World games. Kelly was awarded an MBE in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to track and field athletics and the promotion of women's sport.

Once she stepped away from competing, Kelly turned to performance coaching, specialising in running, working in professional rugby for Wasps RFC and in professional cricket with Warwickshire County Cricket Club. 

She has now turned her attention to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, taking place this summer. Kelly is the Team Leader for the English Athletics team, and the preparation is well underway to give everybody the best possible chance to be successful. 

Kelly’s sense of determination, coupled with the confidence that underpins every great athlete and leader, runs throughout our conversation, as does her fantastic sense of humour. Kelly is candid, with a strong and inclusive leadership style that serves her well inside and outside of athletics.  

Once the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games finishes, Kelly will be looking for her next challenge, and we’re sure that she won’t be short of offers.

Resources:

Kelly Sotherton: Instagram @kellysotherton, Twitter @KellySotheron, LinkedIn Kelly Sotherton MBE

Acorn Children’s Hospice Business club: https://www.acorns.org.uk/acorns-business-club/.