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Gail Emms MBE is an Olympic silver medallist and World Champion badminton player who has transformed her experience on the global stage into a compelling career as a female motivational speaker and awards host. Known for her authenticity, energy and passion, Gail inspires audiences across the UK and internationally with her powerful stories of resilience, teamwork and high performance. Whether speaking to school groups, corporate teams or sports organisations, she brings warmth, humour and real insight into what it takes to thrive under pressure and bounce back from setbacks.
Gail’s journey began in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, where she first picked up a badminton racket at the age of four. With the support of her family and fierce determination, she rose through the ranks to represent England and Team GB at the highest levels of international sport. Her sporting career reached a pinnacle when she won silver in mixed doubles at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, followed by becoming World Champion in 2006. Gail also claimed multiple European and Commonwealth medals, making her one of the most successful British badminton players of all time. Her rise to the top required intense commitment and sacrifice—experiences she now draws on to help others unlock their potential.
Since retiring after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Gail has carved out a successful career beyond sport. She has become a respected sports commentator and presenter, appearing regularly on BBC, Sky and BT Sport. In 2024, she published her debut book, ‘The Lost Lionesses’, sharing the story of England’s trailblazing women’s football team, including her mother, Janice Emms. Gail also speaks passionately about athlete welfare and mental health, and works with organisations such as Life After Professional Sport (LAPS) to support athletes transitioning to life beyond competition. Her talks are empowering, heartfelt and rooted in lived experience.
Gail is regularly hired as a motivational speaker and event host because of her rare ability to connect with audiences on a human level. She combines elite sporting achievement with down-to-earth relatability and humour, making her a standout speaker at leadership conferences, awards evenings and corporate training events. Whether celebrating success or encouraging perseverance, Gail leaves every audience feeling energised, inspired, and ready to take on their next challenge.
Gail Emms is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“Gail was wonderful and a real hit for all. She engaged really well with the parents and pupils; she was funny and had a message that really hit home. So a big ‘thank you’ to her.”
“Gail was an extremely charming, entertaining and inspiring guest. Her kindness in speaking individually to nearly all of our ladies, some of whom are quite elderly, was much appreciated. She was also my very funny neighbour while we ate our lunch!”
“I wanted to pay tribute to Gail Emms who attended the JCAT staff training day yesterday. Sadly I was not able to say a proper goodbye and thanks as I became swamped with requests from other staff. Please can you convey my sincere thanks to Gail for her heartfelt and sincere presentation which, as the feedback shows, touched many people in the 90+ strong audience. Gail mixed painful memories with practical tips and delivered her talk with humour and searing honesty. I know the head of PE would like to invite her back to talk to his pupils , such was her impact.”
“Gail was a fantastic speaker and I’ve had nothing but great feedback from those that attended. Please pass on my thanks to her. I will certainly be in touch with you again to book our speaker for 2022”
“Gail Emms came to Kingston University to speak to the students who had been accepted in to our Sports Performance Programme. Gail delivered an inspiring motivational talk about her own Olympic journey, which really engaged with the students. She understood their goals and tailored the speech accordingly, so that it was fun and informative. We really hope to be able to work with Gail again in the future, she is a shining example of somebody who has achieved their goals while maintaining a life balance.”
“Gail did an absolutely amazing job. Her talk was humorous, interesting, emotional and exciting, underlining the message and theme for our evening. The feedback from staff, parents and students was all extremely positive. Gail stayed around at the end of the evening to meet students and was happy to chat, answer questions and have photos, an added bonus. I would highly recommend Gail for other school events, her enthusiasm and passion for supporting young people shone through.”
“The event went super smoothly! This was no doubt down to Gail, who was absolutely fantastic on the night and probably one of the best comperes we have ever had! All the guests and colleagues I have spoken to said she done such a great job! I think we will definitely like to invite Gail back next year to be our Host! Please do send on my thanks to her. It was a pleasure to have met her and I wish her and her family very merry end to year! Thanks for all the support Lewis!”
“Being honest, Gail was amazing for our event. She delivered exactly what we wanted and provided a light hearted approach to her speech, which ensured all in attendance were engaged throughout. The content delivered was precisely the message that we wanted to get across to attendees. Away from the formal speech Gail was approachable and genuine, as you know we had a few photos and videos that we wanted to take and she was happy to do this with no fuss and professionalism. All in all we are extremely pleased that we decided Gail was right for our event and would not hesitate to recommend or even appoint her again.”
“Gail turned out to be a brilliant hostess , warm , genuine and knowledgable, with the girl next door charm & appeal . As an olympic champion, the success she has had, engendered a great rapport with our successful awards winners,256 aptly presented in the winners suite at the Crowne Plaza London Dockland. Gail amused , entertained the captive audience and interviewed the winners and genuinely invoked a great rapport and entertainment . When the ceremony finished she sat for 5 minutes at each table engaging with the delegations. To a man & woman we were in undated afterwards with appreciation stories about Gail Emms and thank her for contributing in no small part to the success of our event.”
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