Jaco Van Gass

Book Jaco Van Gass for your event

Jaco Van Gass is one of the most inspiring motivational speakers in sport and leadership today. A former elite soldier in the British Armed Forces and a multiple Paralympic Gold Medallist, Jaco’s story is one of resilience, courage, and relentless determination in the face of unimaginable challenges.

Originally from South Africa, Jaco moved to England at the age of 20 and joined the elite Parachute Regiment in the British Army. During his second tour of Afghanistan in 2009, his life changed forever when he was struck by a Rocket-Propelled Grenade. The devastating attack resulted in the loss of his left arm at the elbow, a collapsed lung, punctured internal organs, shrapnel wounds, and multiple fractures.

After surviving critical injuries and undergoing 11 surgeries alongside intense rehabilitation, Jaco faced the enormous challenge of rebuilding both his physical and mental strength. Instead of allowing adversity to define him, he chose to push beyond his limits and create a completely new future.

From soldier to world-class athlete

Following the end of his military career, Jaco began exploring new challenges that tested both body and mind. He became a first-class downhill skier and marathon runner before joining a record-breaking expedition of wounded soldiers trekking unsupported to the North Pole alongside Prince Harry. He later added another remarkable achievement by climbing Mt. Denali in Alaska.

Jaco eventually found his passion in para-cycling and joined the GB Para-Cycling Team. What followed was one of the most remarkable sporting careers in British Paralympic history. Through discipline, consistency, and an exceptional mindset, he rose to become an 11-time World Champion and one of the standout athletes in the sport.

At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Jaco fulfilled a lifelong dream by winning two Gold medals, one Bronze medal, and setting three World Records. He continued that success at Paris 2024, where he defended his titles with two further Gold medals while breaking two of his own World Records.

Inspiring teams and organisations

Today, Jaco Van Gass is a highly sought-after keynote speaker for businesses, charities, leadership events, conferences, and organisations worldwide. His presentations combine emotional storytelling, humour, honesty, and practical lessons that audiences can apply immediately in both professional and personal life.

Drawing from his experiences in combat, elite sport, and extreme endurance challenges, Jaco speaks about resilience, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and performing under pressure. His ability to connect with audiences comes from the authenticity of his journey and the powerful mindset he developed through adversity.

Jaco’s talks inspire individuals and teams to:

• Overcome setbacks and uncertainty
• Build resilience in high-pressure environments
• Embrace change and adapt quickly
• Develop a winning mindset
• Push beyond perceived limitations
• Stay focused on long-term goals
• Strengthen teamwork and trust

Whether speaking to corporate leaders, sales teams, charities, educational institutions, or sporting organisations, Jaco leaves audiences energised, motivated, and ready to take action.

Lessons in resilience and mindset

One of the most powerful aspects of Jaco’s story is his perspective on adversity. Rather than focusing on what he lost, he focused entirely on what was still possible. His journey demonstrates the importance of mindset when facing difficult situations and how resilience is built through consistent action, accountability, and purpose.

Jaco openly shares the realities of recovery, setbacks, fear, and uncertainty, making his message deeply relatable to audiences facing challenges in business and everyday life. His experiences show that success is rarely about avoiding obstacles — it is about learning how to respond to them.

Through honest and impactful storytelling, Jaco helps audiences understand how resilience can be developed by anyone, regardless of circumstances. His message resonates strongly with organisations navigating change, pressure, and demanding environments.

A truly unforgettable speaker

Jaco Van Gass delivers far more than motivation. His presentations provide meaningful lessons on leadership, mental strength, teamwork, and achieving excellence despite adversity. Audiences leave with a renewed sense of perspective and a deeper understanding of what can be achieved through determination and purpose.

From surviving catastrophic injuries in Afghanistan to standing on top of the Paralympic podium, Jaco’s journey is a powerful reminder that even the toughest setbacks can become the foundation for extraordinary success.

Book Jaco Van Gass for your event and inspire your audience with one of the most remarkable stories of resilience, courage, and achievement in modern sport.