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Jaco van Gass is a four times Paralympic Gold Medalist and British Armed Forces Veteran, awarded the OBE in 2015.
It was whilst he was serving his second tour of Afghanistan in 2009 that he lost his left arm at the elbow by a rocket-propelled grenade.
He also suffered a collapsed left lung, punctured internal organs, shrapnel wounds to his left side, blast wounds to his upper thigh, a fractured knee, and a broken tibia.
He underwent 11 surgeries and intense rehabilitation.
Now a para-cyclist, Jaco Van Gass has won a number of national championships and paralympic medals, and set three world records whilst competing at the Tokyo 2020 games.
He has been featured on BBC Sport, Manchester Evening News, and Sports Vibe TV, as well as in The Guardian, Riddle Magazine, Bikes Etc. Magazine, and Off the Ropes podcast.
In 2022 he published his autobiography, Jaco Van Gass: Unequivocal: My Story.
He is now a highly sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring organisations, businesses, charities, and individuals around the world, sharing the highs and lows of his extraordinary journey.
Contact Great Sports Speakers today to book Jaco van Gass to host your next event.
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More About
Born in South Africa, Jaco van Gass moved to England when he was 20, joining the elite Parachute Regiment of the British Armed Forces.
The aforementioned injuries he suffered ended his military career, and despite the physical and mental trauma he suffered, he refused to let his injuries define him.
He has gone on to become a downhill skier and marathon runner; he climbed Mount Denali in Alaska and attempted Mount Everest; and was a member of the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers who trekked unsupported to the North Pole alongside Prince Harry.
He has summited Italy’s highest point, Grand Paradiso; cycled the Carretera Austral, a 1,200km, mostly dirt, highway in Patagonia; was part of the first disabled team to complete the ABSA Cape Epic; and cycled in the Race Across America in six days.
JACO VAN GASS | ATHLETE
Jaco’s first foray into athletics was as a skier, competing as a member of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team.
He then turned his interest to cycling and joined the Paralympic Development Program in 2013.
He competed at the 2014 Invictus Games, winning two gold medals in cycling.
Jaco later joined the GB Para-Cycling Team, where he has gone onto become an 11-time World Champion.
He achieved his dream at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, winning two gold medals and a bronze.
He then added to this at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, winning two golds.
He also holds one bronze, six silver, and eight gold World Championship medals across the individual pursuit, road race, 3K pursuit, mixed team spring, 1k pursuit, scratch race, and omnium.
He was appointed an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list for his services to cycling.
JACO VAN GASS | CORPORATE WORK
Jaco is now an established and highly sought-after motivational speaker for businesses, organisations, charities, and individuals, helping them to embrace change, overcome adversity, and achieve their goals.
After reaching some incredible personal and professional goals, he has been invited to speak all over the UK and South Africa in businesses, schools, and universities.
His talks encompass physical hardship, the ability to change, and smashing world records.
JACO VAN GASS | SPEAKING TOPICS
– Overcoming Adversity
– Resilience and Mindset
– Mental Health
– Disability, Inclusion, and Accessibility
– Leadership and Teamwork
– Goal Setting
– Motivation
JACO VAN GASS | CLIENTS
Allianz, Amazon, Aviva, Bank of America, Barclays, Estee Lauder, ITV
Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great Sports Speakers now to book Jaco van Gass to speak at or host your next live event worldwide.
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Key Information
Veteran of the Parachute Regiment🔹Severely Injured in Afghanistan🔹Paralympic Gold Medal Winning Cyclist🔹Overcoming Adversity🔹Resilience🔹Inclusion
