Steven Bradbury OAM
... Australia's first Winter Olympic gold medallist.
Speaker Profile
Steven Bradbury'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 four-time Olympian hails from sun-drenched Brisbane, and followed his father into the sport. He was a member of the 5000m relay team that won Bronze in Lillehammer - Australia's first Olympic medal. Steven helped finance his skating career through his partnership with Revolutionary Boot Company – manufacturers of speed skating boots. Among his clients is Apollo Anton Ohno, ironically the favourite for the race Bradbury won.
His gold medal win was not entirely as fortuitous as many would believe. Bradbury knew his limitations and also the unpredictable nature of short track racing. Half the battle is staying on your blades, and Bradbury did just that, right when it really counted. Dubbed 'the luckiest gold medalist', Bradbury won fans the world over for the honesty and humility he showed after the win. He saw his victory as reward not for one race, but for a decade of hard slog that has included more than his share of misfortune.
In Norway, 1994, a race accident led to him being impaled on a skate and creating a cut so extensive he lost 4 litres of blood and required 111 stitches. He was extremely lucky to survive. A training mishap in 2000 broke his neck and forced him to spend six weeks in a halo brace. Steven Bradbury again fought his way back, and two years later that neck was in the headlines again – only this time it was supporting an Olympic Gold Medal.
In addition to his motivational and inspirational ability as a corporate speaker, Steven Bradbury also brings sound business principles learnt through running his own company; RBC (Revolutionary Boot Company) which makes specialised skates and cycling shoes.
After Steven’s frustration with the sparse skates market grew, he decided to begin his own skate company along with friend Clint Jensen. Five years on, at the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, RBC sponsored skaters won 3 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals. Indeed the pre-race favourite for Steven’s own race was American Apolo Anton Ohno, another RBC client.
Just as in sport, Steven believes there are two factors to his success. First, you need the determination and resilience to put in the hard work required and ensure your preparation is complete. Second, you have to take a risk. At RBC, and in Steven’s speed skating career, he took many chances. Some worked, some didn’t. However, he stuck at them and today he has an Olympic gold medal and RBC export custom speed skates and cycling shoes to 19 countries around the world.
Since his retirement from speed skating, Steven Bradbury has built a strong media profile through his appearances on television and radio and in the corporate sector as a renowned guest speaker and master of ceremonies. In 2010 his expertise and media polish was sought-after by Channel 9 and Foxtel, who engaged him as a presenter for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.
Client Comments for Steven Bradbury
Grain & Graze
Steven Bradbury travels from Queensland
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Client Comments
Client Comments
- Outstanding! Feedback has been nothing short of incredible. Steven was the last keynote of the conference and was a real coup for us as organisers... left our delegates with great memories of the event.
Department of Education & Training WA - I would highly recommend him to any group. He was down to earth, natural, and yet extremely professional. He took time time talk to everyone afterwards, and stayed well into the night, allowing people the opportunity to talk to him and have their photos taken with him. He was definitely the highlight of our conference, a real inspiration.
OneSteel Limited - Well received by group, surprise element increased impact component.
Total Communications - Steven Bradbury was excellent and the best speaker with a polished performance who had a message that was spelt out loud and clear.
Rural Press Limited - Please accept my sincere thanks and congratulations for the superb job you did as MC of the Awards Night at Longreach a week ago.
From my previous experience hearing you as guest speaker... I knew that the MC role was in the most capable hands. The result at Longreach was a most enjoyable and memorable one for all present, due in no small way to your relaxed and humerous management of the night, together with your warm interaction with the crowd.
As subsequently discussed, we would greatly appreciate your involvement as MC for our annual Fleet Golf Day dinner, as well as at other Dealer and Customer events where I have every belief that your expertise in that capacity will ensure a most successful occasion. Again, thanks so much for a top job well done.
Nissan - Steven Bradbury was our MC for the official launch of the ISEEK Data Centre today. With the Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, other dignitaries and TV cameras in the room, for me it was a little daunting. Not so for Steve. Whilst keeping to schedule Steve's MC style and use of comedy helped make the opening of our new Data Centre a great success. He was also generous with his time and made the extra effort to come in the day before our opening to go over all the details. Steve exceeded our expectations.
ISEEK Communcations - Working with Steven at the recent SPLASH! Environmental Awards was a wonderful experience. He exceeded my expectations as both MC and guest speaker. Steven had the (tough) crowd eating out of the palm of his hand, and at some points you could hear a pin drop. Feedback has been 100% positive and I know a number of companies are interested in having him speak or MC at their future events. Our group was male and female and all ages and everyone enjoyed the night - a huge thank you to Steven.
Interpoint Events - Thank you so much for your excellent job as MC at our national training awards night. Not only did you mange to keep the entertainment flowing, you kept the night humming along at a good pace. This is a rare combination at an awards night.
Group Training Australia - Steven Bradbury comes highly recommended as a guest speaker as he was both inspirational and hilarious. What a great guy! I really enjoyed his talk and I also enjoyed getting to chat to him throughout the evening! He went above and beyond!
Electrical Group Training Ltd - Just a quick note to say thank you for your contribution to our Kick Start conference this year. You were rated extremely highly by the group and I know that everyone I spoke to found your presentation to be inspirational. Thank you also for contributing to our video comments on the day.
Barry Plant Real Estate - Great to meet you and fantastic hearing your talk. You'll be interested to know two people attributed their win at the Bayer Gala awards last night to 'doing a Bradbury'. You made an impression on the conference. Your story and understanding of the brief made an outstanding motivational speech.
Bayer Australia Ltd - Stephen was fantastic! A very funny man and very inspirational! He certainly knows how to paint his life picture and we all were hanging onto every word! I would recommend him as a speaker without hesitation.
Revenue Management Association - Our guests and staff were wowed by Steven. His presentation was first class and he's a good bloke to boot.
Lawler Partners - Steven Bradbury has a very inspirational story and delivers a great message. He's the best speaker I've ever seen.
Burson Automotive - Steven was humorous, punctual, and kept the evening flowing well. Everyone who attended was so happy Steven was our MC. It is being called 'the best awards night so far'.
Redland City Chamber of Commerce - Steven Bradbury's attendance to our 41st annual conference was indeed the highlight of the three days. Steve captivated our delegates and left them with a clear message that if you worked hard and kept trying, anything is possible.
Retravision Australia - Steve was genuinely entertaining. He provided an extremely amusing, yet relevant piece in his summation that left the audience both on the edge of their seat and in throes of laughter. He fully deserved the thunderous applause.
IGA Australia - Captivating and relevant material for our conference. Steven was friendly and a joy to work with.
Westpac Banking Corporation - Steve was a big hit. The use of the DVD really created the atmosphere and he was very obliging in doing a lot of the technical work himself. The customers loved it.
Westpac - Steve was excellent to work with and very easy going throughout our dealings with him. His relaxed style and manner were perfect for the event and people enjoyed having him around for the whole night and chatting to him during the evening. The chance to see/hold his medals and have photos taken with him etc. was also greatly appreciated by many of the guests.
His story was very inspirational and kept the audience captivated. He was entertaining, funny and thought provoking. Overall an excellent speaker, who was well received and a really good bloke. Definitely added value to the event and was good to meet him.
Barclays Global - I recently attended the My Adviser Conference on Hamilton Island as a Plenary speaker and a Gold Sponsor. During the course of the conference I was fortunate enough to hear Steven Bradbury speak. Steve's presentation whilst unique and motivating was also captivating for the audience. The message clearly delivered was never stop striving to reach your full potential.
Apart from being Australia's first ever Winter Olympic Gold Medalist, Steve has been and continues to be a sort after speaker, a successful business man in his own right, and a very accomplished motivational speaker. I would not hesitate to recommend Steve to any prospective business to allow him to motivate and challenge their staff or clients in his unique but very effective manner.
Macquarie Financial Services Group - We thought Steven Bradbury was fantastic... thank you so much.
Isolated Childrens Parent Association - Steven was really lovely and very nice to work with. He was professional and very keen to get involved in all of the activities during the day. The public loved him.
Corporation of the City of Adelaide - Steven Bradbury is a very likeable, approachable, funny guy. He delivered a very interesting presentation and has a history that few knew about.
Hoyts - I Just wanted to pass on our thanks and appreciation for your presentation at our 2007 National Conference. Your story of your journey to the gold medal was very memorable and emotional. There were even a few tears shed as you told of your injuries along the way and of course the elation when you won the race and the gold.
As the organizers of a conference one is always worried that the best choices in presenters have been made and we were well pleased with you. Your presentation was also at a very high standard, which one doesn't usually expect from athletes. We would not hesitate in recommending you as a highlight speaker for any conference.
Our delegates were also very impressed. Well done and thank you again.
Building & Construction Industry - Steve recently presented at a series of Finance And Systems Technologies (FAST) Professional Development Days to great acclaim. He actually received a standing ovation in Sydney after his presentation (unheard of in Australia). FAST CEO Mr Steve Kane said 'Steve's presentation was very entertaining and his messages of passion, persistence and teamwork were spot on'. I could not recommend Steve highly enough and will definitely use his services among other clients in the future.
Frontrunner Consulting Group - Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful energy and enthusiasm with my team today. Your vibrant and insightful presence was well received. You touched a lot of lives today in very positive ways. Much appreciated!
Caboolture Shire Council - On behalf of the farmers, researchers and regional participants associated with the national Grain & Graze program, I write to thank you for the utterly brilliant presentation you gave last week.
Wow! No-one left the dinner without having taken away a totally new perspective on how to give their all in any endeavour they pursue. You had the audience spell-bound not just by your own incredible story, but by the possibilities that they too may one day have an incredible story to tell. For days we talked about one key message or another that you presented and as a result, you not only made the dinner enjoyable and successful, but indeed made our whole event successful. You certainly touched all the right buttons, cleverly tailoring the messages by knowing your brief well.
As a speaker, your presentation style and skills are indeed unique, standing you apart from the myriad of after-dinner speakers I have engaged previously. Your professionalism shines through as much as your shear enjoyment of all that life throws your way.
I do hope that you never lose your relish for speaking, your humbleness or that larrikin persona so many Australians instantly relate to. Perhaps I shouldn't say this, but you do underprice your services compared to your speaker-circuit competition, particularly given the rapport you establish with your audience.
If ever I feel a group's batteries getting low, I know exactly where to go to get the required recharge. Thank you again for sharing your story and inspiration.
Grain & Graze - Enthusiastic!
Ci Events - On behalf of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia I would like to thank you for your efforts in making our Dine with an Olympian fundraiser a great success.
Your services as MC for the evening were much appreciated by the athletes, staff and directors of the OWI. It was fantastic to have such a relaxed and light hearted host; I think it really set the tone of the evening. I was also pleased that we were able to balance the formalities of the evening whilst allowing our guests time to mingle and enjoy the food and wine. Much of this can be attributed to your thorough preparation and understanding of what we were hoping to achieve with the function.
You really were a pleasure to work with and I hope we can do so again in the future. Once again thank you for your efforts.
Olympic Winter Institute - Steven was the MC at our Quest Newspapers annual YoungStar Awards, the event was attended by around 600 people including the Deputy Premier and Minister for sport. Steven's performance was refreshing, humorous and definitely not your traditional stand up presenter.
His approach was professional and while working from our script, managed to personalize it with timely ad-libs to suit the moment. Quest run around 20 major award events each year around Brisbane and never before has our MC been in demand to sign autographs at the end of the night, Steven really aided in the success of the evening. If you are looking for different, quirky and memorable, Steven could well be your man.
Quest Community Newspapers - I go to a lot of conferences and hear a lot of speakers but never, and I mean NEVER, have I seen a speaker get a standing ovation like our delegates gave Steven. The energy in that room was electric. It was an emotional journey. We had tears in our eyes at one stage, we laughed raucously, we cheered watching the DVD footage, we looked away in shock, we felt and sniffed and oohed and aahed at handling his Olympic medals and when the talk was over, we stood to our feet and clapped. We will be using Steven's services again.
I was extremely proud of him and even more so that he was a Brisbanite and such a down to earth kind of guy. We all love a larrikin.
In addition, he was easy to work with. He came up with other ideas to raise money for charity. He was completely organised when it came to his MC and AV instructions.
Brisbane Markets - The audience (including myself and my team) enjoyed his presentation immensely.
Insolvency Practitioners Association - Steven's presentation was undoubtedly the highlight of our conference. His story, along with his open and honest presentation style, left our audience raving about him well after he walked off stage.
Local Govt Managers Association of NSW - From the tremendously positive feedback we've had, Steven's message about pushing through obstacles to achieve your goals, really struck a chord with everyone. Steven has a real gift in being able to help people see that they too can achieve success and they are greatly encouraged and inspired as a result. I was delighted that not only did Steven have a good message, but he was able to deliver it in a very relatable way
McKenna Diamonds Team - Steven was amazing - the best motivational keynote speaker I have ever seen (and I have seen a few!). I read his book on the weekend and couldn't put it down. What an amazing story - I am so glad he told it.
AMP Capital Shopping Centres
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Wow! No-one left the dinner without having taken away a totally new perspective on how to give their all in any endeavour they pursue. You had the audience spell-bound not just by your own incredible story, but by the possibilities that they too may one day have an incredible story to tell. For days we talked about one key message or another that you presented and as a result, you not only made the dinner enjoyable and successful, but indeed made our whole event successful. You certainly touched all the right buttons, cleverly tailoring the messages by knowing your brief well.
As a speaker, your presentation style and skills are indeed unique, standing you apart from the myriad of after-dinner speakers I have engaged previously. Your professionalism shines through as much as your shear enjoyment of all that life throws your way.
I do hope that you never lose your relish for speaking, your humbleness or that larrikin persona so many Australians instantly relate to. Perhaps I shouldn't say this, but you do underprice your services compared to your speaker-circuit competition, particularly given the rapport you establish with your audience.
If ever I feel a group's batteries getting low, I know exactly where to go to get the required recharge. Thank you again for sharing your story and inspiration.