Sharron Davies

Sharron Davies MBE is a former Olympic swimmer, Commonwealth champion and one of the most recognisable voices in British sport. Over a remarkable career spanning five decades, she has represented Great Britain at the highest levels of competition and become a trusted broadcaster and commentator for the BBC. A familiar presence at Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth events, Sharron combines deep sporting insight with authenticity and passion, making her one of the most respected figures in British swimming and sports broadcasting.

Sharron’s extraordinary journey began in the pool at the age of six, when her natural ability was quickly recognised. By the age of eight, she was training seriously, and just three years later, she was breaking national age-group records. At only 13, she became one of Britain’s youngest Olympians, competing at the 1976 Montreal Games. Two years later, she won double gold in the 200m and 400m individual medley at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, establishing herself as one of the brightest talents in world swimming.

Throughout her career, Sharron broke more than 200 British records and was crowned British Champion over 20 times before retiring from competitive swimming in 1994. Her dedication, resilience and professionalism earned her admiration both inside and outside the sporting world. Since then, she has become an integral part of BBC Sport’s coverage, providing expert analysis and commentary across numerous Olympic Games and international competitions. Her insight and experience have made her a leading advocate for fairness and integrity in sport, championing issues such as clean competition and gender equality.

Beyond broadcasting, Sharron has appeared on popular television shows including ITV’s Dancing on Ice and is a sought-after speaker on motivation, performance and perseverance. Drawing on her experiences from a lifetime in elite sport, she shares powerful lessons on goal setting, mental resilience and handling pressure. Whether speaking to corporate audiences or young athletes, she inspires others to strive for excellence while remaining true to their values. As both a champion in the pool and a role model beyond it, Sharron Davies continues to embody the determination and spirit that define Britain’s sporting legacy.