There are few greater sporting mountains to climb than to reach the top step of the podium at The Olympics. Many try, and only a handful achieve it. At Tokyo 2020, Jean van der Westhuyzen did it.
Everything that Jean van der Westhuyzen does happens at speed. From the idyllic Winelands of South Africa’s Cape to Australian citizenship, university degree and an Olympic Gold Medal along with an Olympic Record in three years. It’s a blur.
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With this remarkable and unprecedented journey under his belt and teammate Tom Green behind him in the kayak, it’s on to Paris 2024 and a new, faster challenge.
With his gold medal-winning event, the K2 1000m event not being contested, Jean and Tom will need to adjust to the 500m sprint race - a challenge they relish. At 22 years of age, Jean has a long future in this sport having scaled its heights early.
Jean tells his story of achievement through failure, commitment and sacrifice. Themes of leadership and resilience punctuate his presentations and prove immediately resonant for most corporate environments. As someone who works as a part time analyst for an investment firm, Jean can relate his sporting experience and achievements to staff and teams across a broad range of businesses.
