Steve Parry

After winning an Olympic Bronze Medal in the 200m Butterfly at Athens 2004 Steve is one of the best known swimmers in the UK. Now retired from professional swimming Steve has been making a name for himself in the media.
During the Beijing Olympics Steve established himself as part of the Radio 5 Live Team and has become integral to the BBC commentary and presentation team covering swimming. Throughout the Beijing Olympics he was also a regular guest on the sofa with Gabby Logan in the popular BBC1 round up shows. He is now a regular on Radio 5′s ‘London Calling’ and has also made the transition to cycling commentary with aplomb.

Aged 18 Steve left the UK to attend Florida State University, studying Marketing and Finance alongside his swimming. He excelled during his time in America, gaining selection for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Team and winning the American collegiate national title. Steve was disappointed not to win a medal at the Sydney Olympics finishing in fourth place in the 200m Butterfly.

At the Athens Olympics in 2004 Steve decided to concentrate on the journey, not just the result and this paid off. He finished ahead of Michael Phelps in the semi-final of the 200m Butterfly race, becoming one of only three people in the world to beat him.

In the final Steve finished in bronze medal position with a British and Commonwealth record time. Steve was also the GB Swimming Team captain. As well as his Olympic medal Steve also won World and European Championship medals and three Commonwealth medals during his career to make him one of the most successful British swimmers of all time.

Steve retired from competitive swimming after Athens and now enjoys huge success with his business, Total Swimming, through which he shares his knowledge and supports young swimmers in helping to provide guidance for the Olympic stars of the future. An accomplished corporate speaker, Steve draws on the sport / business parallel to deliver key messages in a clear and concise manner.

Steve is currently competing in Celebrity Masterchef