Showcasing the Olympic gold medallists filmed by BecomingX
Everyone has the potential to achieve extraordinary things. To help people understand what it really takes to succeed, we interview the world's most inspiring and iconic people, including some of the greatest sports people in history. These athletes aren’t just champions of their sports; they embody the ambition, determination and resilience needed to succeed in any field, helping demonstrate how others can achieve greatness with the right skills, knowledge, attitudes and relationships.
With the Olympics in Paris underway, we are now proudly showcasing the nine Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have shared their stories with BecomingX.
Helen Glover – Double Olympic Rowing Champion (2012 & 2016)
Helen Glover’s journey to becoming a two-time Olympic gold medallist is nothing short of extraordinary. Taking up rowing in 2008, Glover won gold at London 2012 just four years later, and again in Rio 2016. Her BecomingX interview highlights the journey of the young, shy girl growing in Cornwall, to the best female rower in the world.
Ellie Simmonds – Paralympic Swimming Champion (2008, 2012, & 2016)
Ellie Simmonds burst onto the Paralympic stage at just 13 years old, winning her first gold medal. Over her career, she has claimed five Paralympic golds, becoming a trailblazer for disability sport. Ellie shares with BecomingX how embracing challenges, hard work, and resilience shaped her path to success. Her belief that anything is possible inspires athletes and non-athletes alike to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Kate Richardson-Walsh – Olympic Hockey Champion (2016)
As the captain of the British women’s hockey team, Kate Richardson-Walsh led her team to a historic gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Her story of overcoming injuries and setbacks is one of perseverance and leadership. In her BecomingX interview, Kate discusses her transformation from a being a bullied school girl in Manchester to the most capped female player in British history.
Helen Richardson-Walsh – Olympic Hockey Champion (2016)
Helen Richardson-Walsh was an integral part of the British women’s hockey team that took home gold in Rio 2016. Helen’s journey is one of overcoming personal challenges, including injuries and the pressure of competition. In her BecomingX feature, she emphasises the importance of staying mentally strong, leaning on your team, and never giving up, no matter how tough the road becomes. Her film will be released in 2025.
Maddie Hinch – Olympic Hockey Champion (2016)
Maddie Hinch has three times been recognised as the world's greatest female hockey goalkeeper. It was her fearless goalkeeping in the penalty shootout helped secure Britain’s gold at Rio 2016, saving every ball she faced. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and her mental toughness were key to her success. Maddie's BecomingX interview focuses on her challenging journey to the top, told from a young age she didn't have what it takes. Her career success proved otherwise.
Roger Federer – Olympic Tennis Champion (2008)
Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, won Olympic gold in the doubles at the 2008 Beijing Games. In his BecomingX interview, Roger reflects on a seminal moment in his career that transformed his perspective on life and his attitude to the game. Likely forever recognised as one of the greatest sports people in history, he shares his views on what it really takes to succeed.
Victoria Pendleton – Olympic Cycling Champion (2008 & 2012)
Victoria Pendleton is one of Britain’s most decorated cyclists, with gold medals at both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics (as well as nine world titles). Her journey was not without its difficulties, including frequently being told she didn't have the mindset or ability to succeed. In her BecomingX interview, Vic shares a profound insight into her mindset which drove her extraordinary work ethic and helped lead to her extraordinary success.
Wladimir Klitschko – Olympic Boxing Champion (1996)
Wladimir Klitschko, the heavyweight boxing legend and the longest reigning combined heavyweight champion of all time, first rose to prominence by winning Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Klitschko’s BecomingX interview reveals his profound belief that discipline is the key determinant of success, not just in the ring but in life.
Dame Kelly Holmes – Double Olympic Champion (2004)
Dame Kelly Holmes is an inspiration for anyone facing adversity. After battling injuries and setbacks, Holmes claimed two gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Her BecomingX interview sheds light on the personal challenges she faced throughout her career, and what it really meant to her to win gold, 17 years after setting herself the goal of winning an Olympic title.
These nine incredible athletes show that success isn’t just about physical prowess - it’s about mental strength, discipline, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Their journeys inspire us all to strive for our best, no matter the obstacles we face. At BecomingX, we are proud to share their stories to help others learn what it really takes to succeed at the highest level.
