For over a decade Robert de Castella (or Deek) competed internationally in the marathon, setting world records and winning World Championships, Commonwealth Games and many other international races.
He was awarded an MBE and was Australian of the Year in 1983, and in 1991 his international peers in Track and Field acknowledged him as the World’s Best Marathon Runner of the 1980 decade.
After retiring from competitive sport after his fourth Olympics in 1992, Robert de Castella took up the position of Director of the Australian Institute of Sport. He left after five years and established his own company SmartStart specialising in children’s and corporate health and wellness. He is a major national figure campaigning for a greater preventative approach to health care, especially in regard to address children’s obesity and declining health.
He has also recently launched Deeks, specialist grain and gluten free bakeries & cafés, for the health and fitness conscious and those suffering from autoimmune diseases. They now have two bakeries in Canberra and a rapidly growing wholesale and mail order business.
He is Chairman of the Leisure Australia Foundation and LesiureCo, a Board member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame chairing their Selection Committee, and is an occasional sports media commentator.
In January 2003 Robert and his family were one of nearly 500 families that lost everything in the Canberra fires. He assisted in the community recovery process, serving on the Recovery Task Force and is still actively involved in the reestablishment of the Stromlo forest recreation park.
Robert de Castella is Patron of and volunteers his time to many other community organisations and events such as the National Heart Foundation, the ACT Olympians Club, Camp Quality, SIDS, Fred Hollow Foundation, and talks extensively to schools, children, and businesses.
Robert is still very active and fit, having received his black belt in traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu karate in 2004. He lives in Canberra with his wife Theresa (also a black belt) and has four children.
Travels from Australian Capital Territory
Click to Read Client Comments about Robert de Castella
Explore Related Categories:
SportFor more information please contact
Saxton on +61 3 9811 3500 or email us at speakers@saxton.com.au | Saxton Events | | Melbourne Corporate Luncheon
Small Business - Big Picture, Peter Holmes à Court, Craig James and more. August 20th
Click for information |  |
|
|
Speaker Topics Include Current Affairs Health and Nutrition Leadership, Teams, Goals and Achievement Participation in Sport and Active Lifestyles Sport The Long Yards... What Makes a Great Leader in Sport
|
|
|
|
|
