MTC

After 7 Gold medals, 3 world records, two Olympic silver medals and one bronze, Steve Backley finally hung up his javelin at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, showing he is still one of the world's best by placing 4th in the final.

Firmly established as one of the all time greats of his sport Steve had been ranked in the world top ten for javelin every year between 1989 and 2002. A constant fixture in the national athletics team, standing on podiums and setting world records, Steve is the only British track and field competitor to win medals at three different Olympic Games - Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney.

Steve's career took off back in 1990 when he became the first British male to set a World Record in a throws event when he threw 89.58m out in Sweden. He broke this record himself later that year when he threw 90.98m at Crystal Palace, with a rough tailed Nemeth model. When this was outlawed at the end of 1991, Steve's 89.58m was reinstated, until he improved it by throwing 91.46m in New Zealand in 1992, which stood until a year later when his record was broken by his long time nemesis the Czech athlete, Jan Zelezney.

His affable, laid back nature and ability to communicate with politicians and children alike has made him both a great ambassador for sport and an excellent role model in the country's battle to get sport back on the agenda. With this in mind, retirement from Athletics has not meant a break with the sport that he loves and Steve has now taken on a key role with BBC Radio 5Live and their athletics commentary.

Steve also has an integral part in the UK Athletics organisation and he has now been signed up by UK Athletics Performance Director, Dave Collins, to take on a high-profile role as a UKA mentor, working in a support role with senior athletes. As well as an obvious interest in athletics, Steve is a keen and accomplished golfer which led to him being signed up by Sky Sports to anchor their coverage of the PGA EuroPro Tour syndicated throughout the world over the summer of 2007.

Since his retirement, Steve has found it hard satisfying his competitive side, and so with this in mind Steve took on a new challenge at the start of 2008 by competing in ITV's Dancing on Ice. Steve, having never skated before and being six foot five and 16 stone (not the typical measurements of the archetypical figure skater), put up a fantastic fight, at one stage coming back 3 weeks in a row to win the skate-off. Throughout the competition, he enjoyed the loud vocal support of the ringside crowd demonstrating that he hasn't still lost his popularity with the British public. 

2008
Britain's Best Dish - ITV Contestant
Dancing on Ice - ITV Contestant
Mr & Mrs - ITV Contestant

2007
PGA EuroPro Tour - Sky Sports Anchor

MOTIVATIONAL / INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER
AFTER DINNER SPEAKER
CORPORATE / AWARDS HOST

To watch Steve Backley's Corporate Showreel, click on the video tab

One of the most consistent and successful athletes of the golden era:

• 3 World Records
• 3 Olympic medals
• 13 major championship medals
• Britain's first athlete to win 4 consecutive European titles, a true demonstration of his strength of character and unrivalled ability to overcome adversity.
• The only British athlete to have ever won medals at 3 consecutive Olympics.

Following his retirement after the Athens Olympics in 2004 Steve is now concentrating heavily on his corporate speaking career.  With a background in Sports Psychology and a rich experience of competition at the very highest level, Steve has a wealth of knowledge to impart and a long and successful career to back up his theories....

 Steve outlines clear attributes that he believes are required to ensure success then displays how he put them into practice with humorous anecdotal tales of his own performances. Steve's immediately likeable personality coupled with his direct and straightforward style make for a great combination and inspirational and informative presentation.

 Style:

Steve is down to earth and an immediately warm and engaging character. His approach is to the point and easy to relate to and he has a clear and eloquent manner of explanation.  He is an intelligent and direct presenter, with a calm and friendly style.

 Content:

Steve defines three main attributes that he believes lead to success - self-belief, motivation and application.  Winning is more than just natural talent and we all have the ability to tap into these natural sources to make the ultimate difference on the day.  Steve focuses heavily on the mental preparation involved and offers insight into his ability to peak for major championships.  He links his theories with his own sporting achievements adding humorous anecdotal tales, behind the scenes snippets and the low down on his rivalry with fellow Czech competitor, Jan Zelezney.  Steve's theory based presentation offers clear adaptable advice for everyday life.

 Key points:

- focus,
- mental strength,
- self-belief,
- application,
- drive,
- peaking for competition,
- retained concentration.

 His insightful and engaging after dinner speech and team building presentations are informative yet entertaining.  The team building presentation concludes with a small practical demonstration where Steve introduces his gravity defying javelin - highlighting the essential components necessary for success within any team.

 Testimonials:

 "Steve Backley started our day with a bang, great motivational speaker that connected with every age group in the room which as they ranged from 16 to 87 took some doing!"
Director of Corporate services NHS / PCT

 "Steve gave an insightful presentation on how he was able to get the most from himself when under pressure. The messages were easily translated to a working environment."
National Association for Sports Development

 "...During his talk Steve totally captivated the audience and you could quite literally have heard a pin drop...Steve then stayed on to present the awards to our winners...I would recommend Steve to any organization that wanted to hear from someone who has been there and done it, and is able to recount the journey in a way that is motivational to others."
Director, Johnson & Johnson

 "The day went off excellently.  Everyone who spoke to Steve Backley found him very friendly and approachable.  They thoroughly enjoyed his talk and found his inside knowledge very fascinating.  He is a very likeable person and we would recommend him for any event like this.  Please let him know that Colin Jarman, our Chairman, found him particularly good company and appreciated Steve's patience in the golf."
BancTec Golf Day - July 2006

 "The BOA has been involved in a number of bookings for Steve Backley and the feedback from clients has been nothing but positive.  In every case he has been able to engage the audience by sharing his stories and beliefs whilst also challenging the audience to improve in every aspect of their business life."
Marketing Services Manager BOA

 "Steve's involvement in the BG Energy Challenge UK - 2007 was a great asset to the event. He delivered an inspiring speech to the 200 or so participants and competed as Team Leader for the Charity Team in the final day of challenges."
Catherine McQuilken, BG Energy Challenge

 "Steve gave an inspiring message to a specialist audience, leaving them in awe of his triumph over major injury in the lead up to the Atlanta Games. He is truly committed to the vision for 2012."
Giles Barrie, Editor of Property Week

 "On behalf of Easynet I would like to thank you...We felt your talk was perfectly suited to the audience and that you also shared your time very well between the guests.  We have had great feedback from the guests and your contribution was much appreciated."
Karen Earl Sponsorship on behalf of Easynet

"Steve was a superb guest. He went down a storm, and it was the ideal start to the day. The feedback has been incredible. He took great interest in what we are doing, was committed to helping us achieve our aims and was willing to support us in all possible ways. We had high expectations but Steve surpassed even those."
Medway 2012 launch breakfast

"Steve's presentation couldn't have been better-received and he was friendly, approachable and happy to help out with requests and photos"
Docklands Light Railway