Sharron Davies

Sharron Davies is one of Britain’s best-known former swimmers and a highly respected voice in sports broadcasting. A double Commonwealth Games champion and three-time Olympian, she has been a familiar face on the BBC’s poolside coverage for decades, bringing clarity and insight to some of the most dramatic moments in international swimming. With over 200 British records to her name and a career that spanned nearly 20 years, Sharron has become a trusted commentator and a popular motivational speaker, admired for her eloquence, professionalism, and unwavering passion for sport.

Her journey in the pool began at just six years old, with serious training starting two years later. By 11, she had already set her first national record, and at 13 she was selected to represent Great Britain at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, making her one of the youngest athletes ever to compete for her country. Sharron’s breakthrough came at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, where she won gold in both the 200m and 400m medley events. Those victories marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see her dominate British swimming for more than a decade.

Over the course of her competitive career, Sharron amassed over 20 national titles and broke more than 200 British records. She went on to represent Great Britain at the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, becoming a household name and an inspiration for aspiring swimmers. After retiring from competition in 1994, she channelled her drive and sporting knowledge into media work, establishing herself as one of the BBC’s most trusted commentators. Her role extended beyond broadcasting, as she also supported London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, helping to bring the world’s greatest sporting event back to the capital.

Today, Sharron combines her broadcasting work with a thriving career as a speaker, host, and event presenter. She has appeared on a wide variety of television programmes, from ‘Dancing on Ice’ to documentary work, but her greatest impact comes from inspiring audiences with stories of resilience, discipline, and achievement. Drawing on her experiences as both an elite athlete and a broadcaster, she delivers engaging talks on motivation, peak performance, and overcoming adversity. Sharron Davies continues to be a powerful advocate for sport and an influential figure both in and out of the pool.