James Cracknell OBE

Since retiring from competitive rowing in 2006, James Cracknell OBE has taken on some of the world’s toughest challenges for the BBC and Discovery, using his passion for adventure and fitness to inspire the nation. His endurance was put to the test in "The Race Across the Atlantic", documented in the BBC show "Through Hell and High Water", which he followed with his book "The Crossing: Conquering the Atlantic in the World’s Toughest Rowing Race."

Two years later, James teamed up with Ben Fogle and Dr Ed Coats for the intense "Amundsen Omega3 South Pole Race", broadcast on the BBC’s "On Thin Ice". His account of this journey, "Race to the Pole", further cemented his reputation as an elite adventurer. James has also completed the "Marathon des Sables", a six-day ultra-marathon, and the Yukon Arctic Ultra, cycling 430 miles through frozen Alaska. Despite a life-threatening accident in Arizona during his attempt to cross America by bike, James made a remarkable recovery, returning to the Yukon to complete "The Coldest Race on Earth", which aired as "Unstoppable: The James Cracknell Trilogy" on Discovery.

Beyond adventure, James is a regular commentator on major sporting events for the BBC and Discovery, including the Olympics. In 2019, he made history as the oldest competitor in the Boat Race, leading Cambridge to victory, and later coached the team.

James has worked with a wide range of brands as an ambassador, including American Express, Dove Men+ Care, Renault, and Hydrow, while holding long-standing ambassadorial roles with organisations like Headway and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. He has also led Policy Exchange’s efforts on obesity and physical activity, advocating for policies like a tax on sugary drinks to combat rising obesity levels. His work on this issue was featured in "The Secret Plan to Save Fat Britain" on Channel 4 Dispatches.

Politically active and passionate about healthy living, James holds a Masters in Philosophy from Cambridge University and is committed to raising awareness of childhood obesity. He was appointed OBE in 2005 for services to sport and is currently the Head Coach at Vesta Rowing Club, continuing his lifelong dedication to sport and fitness.