Steven Bradbury OAM is a one of a kind who sensationally claimed Olympic Gold when he won the 1,000m event at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics after all of his opponents were involved in a last corner pile-up. He was the first athlete from the Southern Hemisphere to win a Winter Olympic Gold. Steven was also a member of the Australian short track relay team that won Australia’s first Winter Olympic Medal, a bronze at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.

Steven is one of the world’s most colourful Olympic champions. He has an impressive career as an Olympic athlete that has been driven by determination, sacrifice and most importantly a will to succeed.

Steven’s remarkable and unlikely victory at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics was achieved after a spectacular final-lap spill took out his four rivals. Bradbury threw his arms up in disbelief and smiled as he crossed the finish line.

The Bradbury story is really about how a true Aussie battler overcomes adversity to achieve their ultimate goal. Some people have described his victory as lucky. Winning Olympic gold took a lot more than just luck. The same as in business – strategy & planning were key ingredients in that success. Four Olympic campaigns, 12 years of hard training including an Olympic Bronze in 1994, 111 stitches in his leg and in the year 2000 a broken neck are testimony that hard work and persistence pays off. That same neck 18 months later was supporting an Olympic Gold Medal.

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 1,000 conferences and events across 19 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 speaker and motivator 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.

Steven’s story touches a chord with people from all walks of life and is a prime example to all that if you “Stick it Out” you too can be the “Last Man Standing”.