Former Badminton Player, Olympic Silver Medallist, World Champion, Badminton England Coach, Broadcaster & Keynote Speaker

Gail Emms is a former professional badminton player, Olympic silver medallist, world champion and celebrated advocate for women in sport. Representing England from 1995 until her retirement in 2008, Gail became one of Britain’s most decorated athletes, with titles spanning the Olympics, World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games. Awarded an MBE in 2009 for her services to badminton, she has since established herself as a respected coach, broadcaster and global keynote speaker, inspiring audiences with her passion, humour and honesty.

Credentials and Impact

Gail first represented England in 1995 while studying for her BSc (Hons) in Sports Science at Kingston University. Supported by UK Sport and the National Lottery, she quickly rose to international prominence, winning multiple medals at major tournaments including the World, European and Commonwealth Championships. Her partnership with Nathan Robertson produced some of Britain’s finest badminton moments, including a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games and gold at both the 2004 European Championships and the 2006 World Championships.

After retiring from competitive sport in 2008, Gail transitioned into coaching, joining Badminton England’s national coaching staff in 2013, where she helped nurture the next generation of talent. Alongside her work in sport, she has become a powerful voice for mental health awareness, equality and resilience, sharing lessons from her sporting journey to inspire individuals and teams across the world.

Publications and Media

In 2024, Gail released her debut book, ‘The Lost Lionesses: The Incredible Story of England’s Forgotten Trailblazers’, a powerful and inspiring account that shines a light on pioneering women in football who paved the way for future generations. Through her writing, Gail celebrates resilience, determination and equality in sport, continuing her mission to inspire and empower others both on and off the field.

Why Book Gail?

Audiences book Gail for her energy, authenticity and engaging storytelling. Her keynote talks explore the realities of high performance, pressure, and perseverance, alongside the importance of teamwork, confidence and purpose. Drawing from her Olympic and world championship experiences, she delivers compelling lessons on resilience, leadership and achieving balance in pursuit of excellence.

Known for her warmth and relatability, Gail connects deeply with audiences, inspiring them to embrace challenges with positivity and courage. Whether addressing corporate teams, educational institutions or sporting events, her message of determination and empowerment resonates across every audience she encounters.

To book Gail to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.