Jed Altschwager

Jed Altschwager

A passionate surfer from a young age, Jed Altschwager has always valued his connection with the water, and it was one that would only grow deeper following a traumatic workplace accident which forced the amputation of his left leg below the knee in 2015.

Sport played a central role in Jed’s journey back to full physical and mental wellbeing, and he fell in love with Para-rowing in the process.

He won a Silver medal on his international debut for Australia in the Men’s PR3 Pair at the 2018 World Rowing Championships , and defended his title a year later, but it was his partnership with Nikki Ayers that would change his career forever.

 

The duo won the Gold medal in the PR3 Mixed Double at the 2023 World Rowing Championships, a year in which they were also crowned Rowing Australia’s 2023 Para Crew of the Year, while Jed also claimed the 776BC Rower’s Rower of the Year.

With the PR3 Mixed Double event making its debut at the Paris Paralympics, the pair made history at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, adding a Paralympic title to their World Championship and World Record in the event, and securing Australia’s first ever Gold Medal in Para-rowing.

Based in Adelaide

Speaker Topics:

Resilience in the Face of Change

Jed’s life changed in an instant. Through vulnerability and strength, he reveals how he rebuilt his identity, embraced uncertainty, and discovered purpose in the process.

Audiences leave with a deeper understanding of resilience.

The Paralympic Journey: From Recovery to Podium

Jed takes audiences behind the scenes of what it takes to reach the top. His journey through rehabilitation, training, and

competition offers insights into goal-setting, perseverance, and staying motivated against the odds.

Overcoming Adversity

Jed’s story is about more than sport—it’s about navigating life’s toughest moments with courage and perspective. He helps audiences reframe challenges as opportunities, using his own lived experience to illustrate that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth.

Mental Health and Performance

Mental wellbeing has been central to Jed’s success, both in and out of the boat. He opens up about the emotional toll of trauma and recovery, and the tools he’s used to manage his mindset.

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