Sam Bloom

Sam Bloom is a celebrated three-time World Para Surfing champion, bestselling author, and the inspiring figure behind the #1 Australian box office and international Netflix hit movie Penguin Bloom, starring Naomi Watts. Her story of transformation and tenacity has touched audiences worldwide and serves as a powerful example of overcoming adversity through resilience and courage.

In 2013, while on a family holiday in Thailand, Sam’s life took a dramatic turn when she fell through a rotten balcony railing, plummeting six meters onto the concrete below. The accident left her with severe injuries, including a shattered spine, ruptured lungs, and traumatic brain injuries. Faced with the devastating possibility of never walking again, Sam found herself in the depths of physical and emotional suffering, yet she refused to accept this fate.

Amidst the struggle, an unexpected source of hope emerged. An injured baby magpie, affectionately named Penguin by her sons, became Sam’s unlikely companion and catalyst for change. The bond between Sam and Penguin reignited her determination to recover and rediscover her passion for sports.

Sam’s incredible recovery journey was documented by her husband, Cameron Bloom, whose photographs, combined with New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive’s narrative, became the international bestseller Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family. This inspirational story was later adapted into a film, which achieved remarkable success both at the Australian box office and globally on Netflix.

Following her return to Australia, Sam faced months of intensive rehabilitation and a deep personal struggle with depression. However, Penguin’s presence provided a renewed sense of purpose, leading Sam to competitive paracanoeing. She achieved significant success, placing 13th in the world and winning two Australian titles before representing Australia at the 2015 World Championships in Italy.

Sam's triumph continued as she made a return to surfing, joining the Australian Adaptive Surf Team in 2018. She has since secured gold at the 2018, 2020, and 2023 World Para Surfing Championships. Additionally, Sam has won two Oceania KL1 paracanoe championships and was nominated for the Surfing Australia Female Surfer of the Year Award in 2019 before being awarded the Surfing Australia Female Para Surfer of the Year in 2022.

Sam has since become a highly sought-after speaker, sharing her journey and insights on resilience with a range of organisations, including Toyota, Business Chicks, Westpac, Eisai Global, Nurture Her, Macquarie Bank, CBRE Group, EduTECH, Adecco Group, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Her visually immersive and deeply personal presentations offer profound lessons on facing fears, overcoming challenges, and finding strength within.

A role model to all, Sam can also be seen committing her spare time to a range of spinal cord injury charities around the world, and as a global ambassador for Wings For Life and ambassador to Tourism Australia

Sam’s moving story is a testament to the power of nature, family, and inner strength. Her inspiring narrative and keynote presentations continue to resonate with audiences around the world, motivating them to tackle their own challenges with a renewed sense of hope and determination.