Katharine Merry

Olympic Medallist

Katharine is one of Britain's most outstanding female athletes. Her career highlight came at the Sydney Olympics when she won bronze in the 'race of the games' against gold medallist and Australian heroine Cathy Freeman.

After starting her international career at age thirteen Katharine was the fastest girl in the world by the time she was fourteen. After years of extreme pressure, injuries and coping with the media spotlight she eventually became the fastest woman over 400m in 2001.

Her inspiring story as one of Raise the Bar's motivational speakers is one of teamwork, persistence, constant improvement and a no-compromise approach to becoming the best in the World.

"Katharine was excellent. She took great interest in what the young people had done to achieve their Award and talked individually to each of them as she presented their award, which with over 70 recipients was no mean feat. Her speech was exactly right, in tune with the young people, captivated the parents and was motivational as well as down to earth – exactly what was needed"

 

Essex County Council