Steven Bradbury

Steven Bradbury OAM is an esteemed Australian sports icon and motivational speaker celebrated for his historic victory at the 2002 Winter Olympics. As a former track speed skater and four-time Olympian, Steven made history by clinching the 1,000m event, becoming Australia and the Southern Hemisphere’s inaugural Winter Olympic Gold Medallist. His triumph, famously known as “doing a Bradbury”, embodies the spirit of perseverance and unexpected success against formidable odds.

Steven’s path to Olympic glory was marked by incredible adversity. In 1994, a harrowing racing accident resulted in a life-threatening injury where he lost 4 litres of blood and endures 111 stitches after being impaled by a rival’s skate. However, undeterred by this setback, he staged a remarkable comeback to only face another daunting challenge in 2000 – a neck injury from a training mishap that required wearing a halo brace for six weeks. Despite these setbacks, Steven’s unwavering determination and strategic approach ultimately led to his crowning achievement for which he was awarded ‘The Don Award’ – Australia’s best sporting performance in 2002.

Steve garnered global admiration for his honesty and humility following his victory. He viewed his triumph not merely as a result of one race but as the culmination of 12 years of rigorous training and overcoming significant setbacks. While some characterised Steven’s victory as lucky, securing Olympic Gold demanded far more than just luck. Like in business, strategy planning and meticulous preparation were crucial components of Steven’s success.

Transitioning from his illustrious sports career, Steven has become a renowned motivational speaker and expert master of ceremonies (MC), captivating audiences at over 650 conferences and events across 14 countries. His engaging presentations blend motivational insights with humour, drawing parallels between his athletic triumphs and overcoming challenges in both personal and professional spheres. Known for his professionalism and approachability, Steve ensures he connects with his audience even after his presentation concludes, ensuring to take the time to mingle with attendees. Steven’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and customise his messages has earned him acclaim as a motivational powerhouse, consistently delivering high-quality experiences without any pretence.

Beyond his speaking engagements, Steven has diversified his pursuits, including competitive motor racing and television appearances. He competes in the Australian Grand Prix Celebrity Race and participated in state-level Formula Vee championships, showcasing his versatility and determination beyond the ice. His contributions to sport were further recognised with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his outstanding service, as well as his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame.

In a remarkable display of bravery outside of sports, Steven demonstrated his heroism by rescuing four teenage girls from drowning while surfing with his son on the Sunshine Coast in 2022. This courageous act earned him a Commendation for Brave Conduct, further highlighting his selflessness and character beyond his athletic achievements.

Steven Bradbury continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his extraordinary journey from adversity to triumph, emphasising the values of passion, persistence, and teamwork. His story resonates as a testament to resilience and seizing opportunities, making him a compelling choice for events seeking genuine inspiration and impactful storytelling.