Kate Richardson-Walsh

Former international hockey player, Kate Richardson-Walsh is Britain’s most capped female hockey player in history. The field hockey champion has an impressive trophy cabinet to her name and has made an influential impact on sports, both on and off the pitch. Through her marriage to teammate Helen, the pair has broken down barriers for the LGBT+ community on a global level and provided representation in their field. As a speaker, Kate expands on her experiences as a gay sportswoman and how corporate clients can support their LGBT+ employees.

Having spent 17 years representing her country, and 13 years as captain of Team GB, Kate is one of the best-known players in the sport. Throughout her career, Kate has amassed 375 international caps, scored 49 goals and secured 19 medals, a testament to her commitment and talent on the pitch. Kate achieved particular success as part of the GB Olympic team, participating in four summer Games and winning a Bronze medal in 2012, followed by a Gold medal in 2016.

Bravely coming out as gay, in 2008 Kate began a relationship with teammate Helen Richardson, which gained much attention, allowing the pair to raise awareness of LGBT+ rights and more diversity acceptance in sports. They became the first same-sex couple to win an Olympic Gold medal together, making history in the process and later both gaining a place on the same Queen’s honours list, the first couple to do so. Kate has used her platform to speak at events, such as the Rainbow Laces Summit on the importance of LGBT+ allies.

For her impact on hockey, Kate has won the Hockey Writers Club UK Player of the Year on three occasions and was shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Much of her current time is spent coaching, commentating and speaking at events about her career and how LGBT acceptance can be improved.