Kelly Holmes - Chair of the DKH Legacy Trust

Dame Kelly Holmes secured her place in history by becoming the first British female athlete to win both the 800m and 1500m in the 2004 Olympic Games. One of her most successful seasons ever, Kelly's achievements on the track in 2004 set the pace for 25 high profile awards and accolades, among others BBC Sports Personality of the Year, European Athlete of the year, the prestigious title of the Laureus World Sports Woman of the year and in 2005 the ultimate honour of a Damehood by the Queen in the New Years Honours lists.

Kelly first established her working career as a member of the British Army in 1988. First serving as a Heavy Goods Vehicle Driver before qualifying to become a Physical Training Instructor in 2001. Reaching the Rank of Sergeant, Kelly decided to leave in 1997 to pursue a senior athletics career full time. Upon leaving, Kelly was awarded a Member of the British Empire for her services to the British Army.

Kelly's career as an senior international athlete started in 1993 when Kelly reached the semi-final of the World Championships in Stuggart, Germany - from there Kelly went on to win medals at Commonwealth Games, European Championships, World Championships and the Olympic Games prior to her success in Athens.

Since retiring in 2005, Kelly has developed both her professional and personal career path. Founding Director of On 'Camp' with Kelly Mentoring and education initiative for junior middle distance athletes www.oncampwithkelly.co.uk

Kelly was then appointed Dame, Commander of the British Empire in 2005. Also in 2005, was appointed the National School Sports Champion to help profile school sports. Through that role, participation in school sport has significantly risen especially in the area of teenage girls where Kelly started and headed the initiative "Girls Active".

Continuing to run her own Company, Double Gold (www.doublegold.co.uk), she then founded the DKH Legacy Trust in 2008 (www.dkhlegacytrust.org), to which she is the active Chair, to provide support to other elite performers as they develop a new career, whilst at the same time making the most of their skills and experience, working with young people in sport and education.

Kelly is Ambassador and Patron to many charities, including:
Princes Trust
Variety Club of Great Britain
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Hospice in the Weald
Sports Relief
Beatbullying

Kelly was also asked to become a member of the Commission for Women in Sport in 2008.