Famous Doesn’t Always Mean Fabulous on Stage… Here’s Why.

by | Aug 11, 2025 | News

A recent client brief really got me thinking. Whenever I chat with a potential client, I love to dig into the heart of their event. I want to know it all – what’s the theme of the day? Who’s in the audience? Where will the speaker fit on the run sheet? Have you had speakers before – and what worked or didn’t?

But today’s call was different. A potential client simply said: “I just want a famous sports person.” No further details or preferences.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not here to throw shade at anyone, famous or not. In fact, I’ve listed my top picks for sports star speakers below. But here’s the truth: just because someone is famous doesn’t automatically make them a great keynote speaker. A familiar name might draw a crowd, but when the lights go down and the mic switches on, you need more than fame to truly wow an audience.

Public speaking is a skill – an art form. Some people are born naturals, others spend years mastering the craft. The best speakers know how to design a powerful keynote, read the energy of a room, pause for impact, land humour, and tell stories that stick. Because…

👉 Having a great story doesn’t mean you’re a great storyteller.

I get the appeal of a big name. It creates buzz, fills seats, and gives attendees the thrill of seeing someone they admire. But if you want your event to shine, your speaker – famous or not – needs these three key ingredients:

  • The ability to tell a truly great story (and tell it well).
  • An audience-first mindset, not just a stage to feed their ego.
  • Real, actionable takeaways your audience can apply to life or work.
Take Mark Mathews. A world-class big wave surfer with a Red Bull contract and a glittering future – until a devastating accident changed everything. After recovering, he knew his story was worth sharing. But here’s what sets him apart: Mark didn’t just step on stage and wing it. He worked at it – studied great speakers, refined his message, practiced relentlessly.

Today, Mark doesn’t just share a story – he delivers an experience. And having personally watched over 500 keynote speakers live, I can confidently say his presentations are world-class. Audiences all over the globe agree.

That’s why it’s rare to find a sports star who is both famous and an exceptional speaker – but when you do, it’s magic.

My advice? Don’t book a speaker on name alone. Watch their full-length videos (not just the highlight reel). Feel their energy. See if they move you, inspire you, or shift your thinking. That’s the kind of impact your audience deserves.

And here are my top picks for amazing sports star speakers:

  • Mark Mathews
  • Samantha Gash
  • Brooke Hanson OLY OAM
  • Glenn McGrath
  • Jacqui Cooper
  • Dylan Alcott AO
  • Kerri Pottharst OAM OLY
  • Justin Jones
  • Mark Mathews
  • Samantha Gash
  • Brooke Hanson OLY OAM
  • Glenn McGrath
  • Jacqui Cooper
  • Dylan Alcott AO
  • Kerri Pottharst OAM OLY
  • Justin Jones