About Sam

Sam is a seasoned public and motivational speaker who’s spent years sharing his story with schools, councils, businesses, sports groups, and charities.

His journey as a speaker kicked off back in 2004, thanks to the buzz around his success at the Athens Paralympics—and a cheeky story he told American media about his leg being mauled off by a kangaroo.

What started as lighthearted talks with a few laughs has evolved into powerful, diverse presentations. Sam now covers everything from goal setting and life lessons to topics like disability awareness and inclusion, always weaving in his personal experiences. He’s great at tailoring his talks to fit any theme, school syllabus, or company mission.

Sam’s also no stranger to the media, with radio training and regular appearances on stations like SEN and ABC.

His presentations can include:

  • Motivation
  • Goal setting (used by Olympic and Paralympic teams)
  • Time management
  • Disability awareness
  • Inclusion and diversity

Every talk can be customised to suit your audience and needs.

Book Sam For Your Event

Sam’s Achievements

Sporting Achievements
  • Paralympic Gold Medalist: 2008 Beijing Paralympics (Gold and Silver Medals) and 2004 Athens Paralympics (Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals).
  • World Record Holder in the 100m Butterfly (2004 Athens Paralympics).
  • Competed in major international events, including the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, 2007 South African World Championships, 2003 Argentina Para Americanos Games, and 2000 Sydney Pan Pacific Games.
  • Participated in numerous national and international competitions from 1999–2010.
Awards and Honours
  • Awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2009 for services to sport and as a role model.
  • Inducted into the Victorian Institute of Sport Hall of Fame (2008) and the Australian Institute of Sport Hall of Fame (2007).
  • Finalist in the National Disability Awards as Emerging Leader with Disability (2012).
Leadership Roles
  • Captain of the School Water Polo Team from 2004–2006.
  • Selected for the Australian All-Star Team in 2007.
Public Speaking and Media
  • Professional motivational speaker with over a decade of experience.
  • Radio-trained and a frequent guest on stations like SEN and ABC.
  • Author of “Three-Quarter Man: Pranks, Passion and Paralympics” (2014).
  • Contestant on Big Brother Australia in 2014, where he was the 6th housemate evicted.
Charity and Advocacy
  • Ambassador for Disability Sport & Recreation, Bully Zero Australia Foundation, Oz Child, and Group Training Association of Victoria (GTAV).
  • Actively promotes disability awareness, inclusion, and anti-bullying initiatives.
  • Supports underprivileged youth and health outcomes for people with disabilities.

Interviews