Athlete Chrissie Wellington Named Bonz Speaker

The Ethel Walker School will welcome four-time World Ironman Champion Chrissie Wellington OBE to campus in November as the 2026 Margaret Huling Bonz Women of Distinction Speaker.

Chrissie is a British professional triathlete and four-time Ironman World Champion, winning the title in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011. She retired undefeated over the Ironman distance, winning all 13 of her races, and holding all three Ironman world and championship records.

Chrissie earned degrees from the University of Birmingham and the University of Manchester and worked in international development before turning professional in 2007. Today, Chrissie strives to improve health and wellbeing through physical activity and is an advocate for participation in sports. Chrissie is the author of A Life Without Limits and To the Finish Line, and co-authored two children’s wellbeing books. She was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2010 and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2016 for her commitment to sports and philanthropy.

The Margaret Huling Bonz Women of Distinction Speaker Series was designed to expose the Walker’s community to a culturally diverse array of accomplished women representing a wide range of professions. It is made possible by an endowed fund established through the generous contributions of donors in recognition of Dr. Margaret Huling Bonz for her 11 years of leadership as head of The Ethel Walker School. Past speakers include Gloria Steinem, Edna Adan, Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, and Karenna Gore.