Leon Taylor

  • Olympic medalist and one of the world's top platform divers

Show More Close
Leon Taylor | NMP Live
About

During a diving career spanning more than 20 years Leon Taylor was regarded as one of the world's top platform divers and enjoyed sustained success on the world stage, winning medals at all major championships. He participated in 3 Olympic Games and was a member of the British Team for 16 years.

Leon pushed the boundaries not only personally, recovering from numerous surgeries, but also those of the sport itself, by inventing “the world's most difficult dive” a backward 2.5 summersaults with 2.5 twists in the piked position. In 2004 he finally achieved his lifelong ambition when, with diving partner Peter Waterfield, he won the first British diving Olympic medal in 44 years by securing a Silver medal.

Leon eventually called an end to his diving career in 2008 several months before the Olympics, after sustaining more injuries. However he was far from finished in sport. As part of the BBC team he travelled to Beijing, commentating on the diving events and giving general commentary on other areas of the Olympic coverage. He also continued his Athlete Mentor role, which had started following Athens, for the upcoming British athletes including Tom Daley.

Background
Leon was a hyperactive child and his parents were advised by doctors to channel his energy and enthusiasm into sport. As a result, he was introduced to swimming and gymnastics from the age of two and started diving as "just another sport" when he was eight. Three years later, Leon was under 12 national champion. Throughout a 16-year career representing GB Leon won medals at all major diving championships. He recovered from two separate shoulder surgeries to win a silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and later fulfilled a life-time ambition with his 2004 Olympic Silver medal in Athens.

Speech Topics

Leon Taylor continues to be part of the BBC team for diving events, but it’s in the mentoring role and corporate speaking at events where Leon has excelled. He has invested great time and effort in both roles seeking guidance from many individuals, with the aim to become as successful in these new roles as in his diving career. The fruits of these labours can be read in his first book “MENTOR- The most important role you were never trained for” and heard when attending a speaking engagement, where he is renowned for being uplifting, motivating and an entertaining speaker.

Motivational & Keynote Speaker
An experienced speaker to a variety of audiences from business leaders to school children, Leon Taylor’s inspiring and entertaining message has been enjoyed by thousands of people.

Leon has an infectious passion and enthusiasm for the lessons he learnt during his sporting career. As a result he has been asked to speak at a wide range of events. Achieving success at the highest level in such a physically and mentally demanding sport has provided Leon with enough challenges, interesting insights and stories to truly bring his inspirational message to life.

Dedicated to making sure that the content of his presentations is as relevant to his audience as possible, Leon Taylor works hard with clients to tailor his speeches to suit the situation.

Testimonials

Leon Taylor's talk was humorous, relevant, inspiring, and celebratory... but I think what worked even better was the amount of time he spent with us after in the tower - taking time to talk with everyone, allowing them to see/touch/wear the medal. It made the evening really special. Leon is a lovely person, really genuine, with a great personality which came over in spades.

Judith Harding - TSR Migrations and Business Intelligence Director, BT.

At our 'Raising the Bar' conference Leon Taylor gave a fascinating insight into how Leadership impacts on Performance and how personal focus and responsibility will enable the Leaders in our business to achieve our Vision.

Simon Featherstone - Managing Director, Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance.

Leon Taylor has proven to be a popular and inspirational speaker. His story is incredibly motivational and entertaining, he gives a great insight into what it is like to participate in the Olympics and how to succeed when faced with obstacles.

Kirsten Bolton - Marketing and PR Manager, Business Link South Yorkshire.

A charming and entertaining speaker. Leon Taylor had a great ability to communicate with all the members of the audience. A real asset to the evening. Thank you.

Wendy Ellis - Head at Windermere St. Anne's.

I am delighted to provide a testimonial for Leon Taylor. Leon is an excellent ambassador for his sport. He has natural interpersonal skills and an aptitude for communicating the realities of life as an elite performer. He is at ease with well-informed audiences and also has an ability to distil and disseminate technical knowledge in a manner that offers the lay person an insight into his world. He is the embodiment of an impressive young champion.

Wilma Shakespear - National Director, English Institute of Sport.

An uplifting and motivational address which inspired the audience... to challenge their own perceptions of what's achievable through a combination of clear goal setting, hard work and determination... Leon's presentation was one of the high points of a very successful conference.

Adrian Bryant - Royal Bank of Scotland Cards.

To any one reading this who wants to know if Leon Taylor is suitable as a speaker I want to recommend him highly as he undertakes the task of speaking to an audience as if he is 10 meters above them about to take the most important dive of his career and he did it with ease. He is a professional, a courteous and most of all a nice person to deal with. He would receive a perfect 10 from this judge.

Padriac Kissane - MDRT, Chair Ireland.

Books and DVDs

Clients often ask about purchasing books for giveaways and delegate packs. Below you’ll find a selection of products by Leon Taylor. Click the images to view on Amazon's website. For bulk orders, please speak with your Booking Agent.

How to book Leon Taylor for your event

To book Leon Taylor, please submit an online enquiry to booking.agent@nmp.co.uk or contact one of our booking agents on +44 (0)20 3822 0003.

You may also be interested in...
Mark Foster | NMP Live
Mark Foster

One of the most successful British swimmers of all time

Sharron Davies MBE | NMP Live
Sharron Davies MBE

Olympic silver medalist and winner of two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games

Tom Daley OBE | NMP Live
Tom Daley OBE

Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist, men's synchronised 10-metre platform event

Rebecca Adlington OBE | NMP Live
Rebecca Adlington OBE

British Olympic multi-gold medal swimmer

Dame Sarah Storey DBE | NMP Live
Dame Sarah Storey DBE

The most successful British female Paralympian in history

Steve Parry | NMP Live
Steve Parry

Olympic bronze medal winner Athens 2004

You may also be interested in...
Mark Foster | NMP Live
Mark Foster

One of the most successful British swimmers of all time

Sharron Davies MBE | NMP Live
Sharron Davies MBE

Olympic silver medalist and winner of two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games

Tom Daley OBE | NMP Live
Tom Daley OBE

Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist, men's synchronised 10-metre platform event

Rebecca Adlington OBE | NMP Live
Rebecca Adlington OBE

British Olympic multi-gold medal swimmer

Dame Sarah Storey DBE | NMP Live
Dame Sarah Storey DBE

The most successful British female Paralympian in history

Steve Parry | NMP Live
Steve Parry

Olympic bronze medal winner Athens 2004

I was very pleased with the service I received from NMP Live, the agent was very helpful and professional. I will definitely look to NMP Live in the future.
Nicole Hardaker, EAIE Conference Programme Coordinator
MORE TESTIMONIALS
Bookings and enquiries
Call +44 (0)20 3822 0003 or Email us

Need help and advice? | Want to join our roster?

MAKE AN ENQUIRY