Dr Brendan Burkett OAM

Brendan’s achievements in life speak for themselves. Despite losing his leg in a hit and run accident in 1985, Brendan’s strength of character has turned tragedy into triumph. On the sporting field Brendan is the Paralympic Champion, World Champion, World Record holder, Commonwealth Games and Australian multiple medallist.

He is a fixture for leading and motivating the Australian Paralympic Team – demonstrated by his appointments as Australian team captain for the Atlanta team in 1996, and as the Opening Ceremony Flag bearer in Sydney 2000 – Australia’s most successful sporting team.

The Sydney 2000 Paralympics were Brendan’s fourth games as an athlete, and he added another Silver Paralympic medal to his current collection of Gold and Silver from Atlanta in 1996, Bronze from Barcelona in 1992, and a Silver from Seoul in 1988.

The significance of his sporting achievements have been recognised at the highest level as Brendan is the recipient of the following awards; 1988 Australia Day Sporting Award; 1997 Order of Australia Medal (OAM); 1998 Ambassador for the Sydney Paralympic Games; 2000 Olympic torch relay member; 2000 Paralympic torch relay member; and 2000 Australian Sports Medal recipient.

Brendan has combined his love sport and quest for knowledge in an unique way. This is best exemplified in his achievements which integrate success on the international sporting arena as well as the completion of a degree and masters in engineering, followed with a Ph.D. in Biomechanics. In 2000 he was awarded the Institution of Engineers Australia, Professional Engineer of the Year Award.

His work experience includes 5 years as a consulting engineer, this included 12 months as an engineer on the oil rigs in the North Sea (the first person with a disability to apply, pass the off shore medical, and then to work on the oil rigs), he is currently employed as a Sport Scientist at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

In terms of public speaking Brendan has a broad range of experience in public speaking, from after dinner speeches, keynote conference presentations, and motivational corporate seminars.

Brendan has completed a number of public speaking courses to ensure he delivers a professional presentation which have included the Rogen Presentation Mastery course. When you combine these refined presentation skills with his entertaining and inspirational life you are ensured of a extremely professional presentation.

As a public speaker and motivator Brendan’s achievements speak for themselves. His inspiring and humorous speeches will equip you with the skills to lead and motivate your team, as testified by the following clients.