Zoe Gillings-Brier is a four-time Winter Olympian and one of the UK’s most decorated snowboarders. Her incredible journey is a powerful testament to resilience, mental strength and the unshakeable belief that dreams are worth fighting for.
Zoe’s love of sport began early, but it was during a winter season in Canada at the age of 16 that she discovered her true passion – Snowboard Cross. A fast-paced, high-adrenaline sport where four riders race head-to-head down a course filled with jumps, turns and steep drops, Zoe was hooked from the first run.
She quickly made her mark, placing 6th at the Youth Olympics and becoming the first snowboarder in the world to qualify for the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics, where Snowboard Cross made its Olympic debut. But just four months before the Games, Zoe suffered a devastating injury, breaking her foot in eight places. Doctors told her she might not walk properly again, let alone snowboard competitively.
Zoe had other plans. She underwent eight months of gruelling rehab and defied every expectation by making it to the start line in Turin. Despite ongoing issues with her foot, she placed 15th in the world and went on to compete at four consecutive Olympic Games.
As a speaker, Zoe brings an honest and energising voice to topics such as overcoming adversity, goal setting, high performance, and mental toughness. She is particularly passionate about inspiring young people to chase their dreams – no matter the setbacks.
If you’re looking for a motivational speaker who embodies grit, courage and determination, Zoe Gillings-Brier is an outstanding choice.
Every athlete faces tough times, whether it’s injury, defeat, or personal challenges. In this talk, our athletes open up about the adversity they have experienced and how they found the strength to bounce back. Pupils will learn about the importance of resilience, determination, and staying positive in difficult situations. These are valuable lessons they can use in school, sport, and life.
Behind every athlete’s success is the importance of looking after their mind as well as their body. In this honest and supportive talk, our athletes open up about how they manage pressure, deal with setbacks, and stay mentally healthy. Pupils will hear positive, practical advice on looking after their own wellbeing, coping with stress, and the importance of speaking up and supporting each other.
Success in sport and life starts with the right mindset. In this talk, our athletes explore how having a positive, focused, and growth-orientated mindset has helped them face challenges, learn from setbacks, and stay motivated. Pupils will leave inspired to believe in themselves and approach obstacles with confidence.
The Olympics represents the pinnacle of sport, and our athletes give a behind-the-scenes insight into what it is really like to compete or aim to compete on the world’s biggest stage. They share stories of preparation, pressure, teamwork, and pride, inspiring pupils with lessons about ambition, dedication, and chasing dreams, whatever they may be.
Your presentation was very well received and I had a lot of comments from guests and staff commenting on how inspirational you are (as well as how mad you must be!)
We are genuinely very grateful that you attended the event, and did so with such great spirit; that you spoke to so many children; signed so many autographs and starred in so many ‘selfies’. It really has made a difference!”
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
Address:
Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 1RD
Phone:
020 7993 2724
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
