Sharron Davies
Sharron Davies is a name synonymous with British swimming, a former Olympic medalist, and a champion of women’s rights in sports. She became a household name through her achievements in the pool, and since her retirement from competitive swimming, she has continued to be a prominent voice in sports broadcasting, media, and advocacy. This article delves into her life, career, personal relationships, net worth, and current activities, offering a comprehensive look at this iconic British athlete.
Early Life and Introduction to Swimming
Born on November 1, 1962, in Plymouth, Devon, Sharron Davies was introduced to swimming at a young age by her father, Terry Davies, a swimming coach. Her early exposure to the sport helped foster her passion and natural talent for swimming. By the time she was 11 years old, Sharron was already competing at the national level. Her father’s influence and guidance played a crucial role in shaping her early years in the sport, and it was clear that Sharron had the potential to make a name for herself on the world stage.
At the age of 13, Davies made her Olympic debut at the 1976 Montreal Games. Though she was not yet ready to medal, her selection for the Great Britain team at such a young age was a significant achievement in itself. Her performance at the Games garnered attention, and it was evident that the young swimmer was destined for greatness.
Rise to Prominence: Achievements and Olympic Glory
Sharron Davies’s rise to prominence began in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over the next few years, she became one of the most dominant swimmers in Britain and a regular feature on the international competition circuit. Her success in the pool led to her being considered one of the best swimmers of her generation.
1977 – Davies earned her first major international medals at the European Aquatics Championships in 1977, where she won two bronze medals. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career in competitive swimming.
1978 – At the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Davies achieved a remarkable feat, winning two gold medals in the 200m and 400m individual medley events. She also added a silver and bronze to her medal tally, further cementing her status as one of the best swimmers in the world.
1980 – Her Olympic performance at the Moscow Olympics in 1980 was arguably the peak of her career. Sharron earned a silver medal in the 400m individual medley, narrowly missing the gold to East German swimmer Petra Schneider. Despite the controversial doping practices within the East German swimming program, Davies’s silver medal was an incredible achievement, and her performance placed her firmly in the spotlight.
Davies’s success extended beyond the Olympics. She continued to perform strongly at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and European Championships. Throughout her career, she set multiple British records and was a force to be reckoned with in the competitive swimming world.
Sharron Davies Retirement and Transition to Media
After a stellar swimming career, Sharron Davies retired from competitive swimming at the relatively young age of 18. However, she wasn’t done with the world of sport and soon transitioned into the media.
Sharron’s natural charisma and wealth of knowledge about swimming made her an ideal candidate for sports broadcasting. She worked as a commentator for the BBC, covering a wide range of sporting events, including several Olympic Games. Her insightful commentary and ability to break down complex swimming techniques made her one of the most respected voices in British sports broadcasting.
In addition to her commentary work, Davies made several television appearances and took on roles in entertainment programs. She became a household name in the 1990s when she appeared as a competitor in the popular television show Gladiators, where she played the role of “Amazon.” She also appeared in the reality competition show Dancing on Ice in 2010.
Her transition from athlete to television personality was seamless, and she became a fixture in British media, using her platform to promote sports and fitness.
Personal Life: Sharron Davies Relationships and Family
Sharron Davies’s personal life has been widely covered in the media. Throughout her career, she has been in several relationships and has had her share of both public and private struggles. Let’s take a look at some of the significant people in her life:
1. Neil Adams (1980s)
In the 1980s, Davies was engaged to Neil Adams, a judo champion who also represented Great Britain at the Olympics. The couple’s engagement, however, did not last, and they ended their relationship before they got married.
2. John Crisp (1987-1991)
Sharron’s first marriage was to John Crisp, a gym manager, in 1987. The couple divorced in 1991 after a brief but public marriage.
3. Derek Redmond (1992-2000)
Sharron’s third marriage was to Derek Redmond, an Olympic sprinter who is best known for his emotional finish in the 400m race at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics despite suffering a hamstring injury. They married in 1994 and had two children: Elliott Anthony Redmond and Grace Elizabeth Redmond. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in 2000, marking a difficult period in Davies’s personal life.
4. Tony Kingston (2002-2009)
In 2002, Sharron married Tony Kingston, a British Airways pilot. Their relationship faced difficulties with fertility, but after years of IVF treatments and miscarriage struggles, they finally had a son, Finley John Kingston, in 2007. Despite their joy at the birth of their child, the couple separated in 2009, and their marriage came to an end.
Children
Sharron is the proud mother of three children:
- Elliott Anthony Redmond (son, with Derek Redmond).
- Grace Elizabeth Redmond (daughter, with Derek Redmond).
- Finley John Kingston (son, with Tony Kingston).
Sharron has been open about her role as a mother and the challenges she has faced balancing her career with family life. She has also spoken candidly about her experience with IVF treatments, offering support and advice to other women who have struggled with infertility.
Sharron Davies Net Worth
While exact figures are hard to pin down, @Sharron Davies has amassed a significant fortune over her career. Her wealth comes from various sources, including her time as a professional athlete, her media career, and endorsements.
Her estimated net worth is between £1 million and £2 million. This wealth has been accumulated from her work as a sports commentator, television presenter, and public speaker. Additionally, Sharron earned money from her endorsements and sponsorships during her competitive swimming career.
Throughout her career, Davies has been involved in several charitable endeavors and uses her platform to raise awareness for issues such as women in sports, mental health, and disability sports.
Sharron Davies Now (2025-2026)
Sharron Davies remains an active figure in British sports and media. In 2025, she was appointed as a life peer to the House of Lords by the Conservative Party, a prestigious recognition of her influence in sports and her commitment to women’s rights. As a member of the House of Lords, Davies is well-positioned to continue advocating for fair competition in sports and women’s inclusion in athletic spaces.
Sharron also continues to work as a television personality and sports advocate. She regularly appears on British television, offering her insights into sports events and contributing to discussions about fairness and inclusion in women’s sports. Her stance on transgender athletes competing in women’s categories has sparked significant public debate, and she continues to use her platform to discuss issues surrounding gender equality and fairness in competitive sports.
As an advocate for women’s rights in sports, Sharron remains dedicated to promoting fairness and equity in all aspects of the sporting world. She is also involved in mentoring young athletes and raising funds for charities that support disability sports and athlete development.
Sharron Davies Legacy
Sharron Davies’s legacy extends far beyond her Olympic silver medal and the records she set in the pool. She has become a role model for women in sports, an advocate for fair play and gender equality, and a prominent voice in the media.
Her achievements as a swimmer—particularly her silver medal in the 400m individual medley at the 1980 Moscow Olympics—will never be forgotten. However, it is her work beyond the pool that has cemented her place as one of the most influential figures in British sport.
Sharron’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of swimmers and athletes. She has shown that excellence in sport is not confined to just one area; it extends into the realms of advocacy, media, and charitable work. She has proven that athletes can make a difference in the world, long after they have hung up their competitive gear.
Conclusion
Sharron Davies’s life has been marked by athletic achievement, media success, and advocacy for the rights of women in sports. From her Olympic silver medal to her political engagement as a member of the House of Lords, Davies continues to be a major influence in the world of sports and beyond.
Her career is a testament to the power of perseverance, advocacy, and the ability to transition from one phase of life to another while maintaining a positive impact. Today, Sharron remains an inspiring figure, and her legacy as both an athlete and an advocate will continue to shape the future of women’s sports for years to come.
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