KATY PARROTT - Athlete
Described as ‘Tinkerbell crossed with the Terminator,’ Katy was a finalist in the BBC Series Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week in 2017. This experience inspired her to join the Army Reserves, where she trained as a Combat Medic and deployed to Armenia, Georgia, Afghanistan, Norway, and Pakistan.
Her time on the show sparked a desire to further test her physical and mental limits, leading her into the world of ultra running. In 2018, she finished as the 3rd female in her first 100km race. Katy is now a Montane Athlete, supported in endurance events and mountain expeditions globally.
In late 2020, Katy faced a major challenge when an accident required her to undergo major knee reconstructive surgery. Despite a tumultuous year of rehab, she made a remarkable comeback, competing in the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra (185 km) just 15 months post-surgery, finishing 4th overall and 2nd female. Refusing to let her injury define her, she has also fast-packed mountain ranges, run the length of Devon, and completed an Ironman in memory of a teammate she lost while climbing Broad Peak in 2022.
Katy is passionate about self-leadership, a growth mindset, and breaking stereotypes. By sharing her stories of endurance, overcoming setbacks, and tackling challenges with a ‘can-do’ attitude, she hopes to inspire others to approach their own goals with positivity and self-belief.
“[Katy’s] talk embodied the essence of adventure, challenge, and resilience, sparking the imagination of both the young soldiers and their Staff.
She has a delightful blend of fun and charm which, combined with her phenomenal feats of endurance, make for a captivating listen. Her humility and tales of recovery when things go wrong ensure she is always relatable to us mere mortals.
Katy Parrott is not just a speaker; she’s a catalyst for personal growth and unwavering resilience.”
