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
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Description

Jed Altschwager motivational speaker sessions come from a Paralympic Gold and Silver Medallist. His journey has inspired audiences across Australia. Jed was a passionate surfer from a young age. He always felt at home in the water. That relationship deepened profoundly after a traumatic workplace accident in 2015. It led to the amputation of his left leg below the knee. His story is one of resilience, identity and the unrelenting pursuit of possibility.

Why book Jed Altschwager as your motivational speaker

Jed’s path to elite sport began during his rehabilitation. There, Para-rowing became both a sanctuary and a calling. He won a silver medal on his international debut for Australia in the Men’s PR3 Pair at the 2018 World Rowing Championships. He then defended his title the following year. His partnership with fellow rower Nikki Ayers transformed his career. Together, the duo claimed gold in the PR3 Mixed Double at the 2023 World Rowing Championships.

Their dominance continued from there. Jed and Nikki earned Rowing Australia’s 2023 Para Crew of the Year. Jed was also named the 776BC Rower’s Rower of the Year. When the PR3 Mixed Double made its Paralympic debut in Paris, the pair made history. They secured Australia’s first ever Gold Medal in Para-rowing. As a result, they added a Paralympic title to their World Championship and world record performance.

In his keynotes, Jed covers resilience in the face of change, the Paralympic journey from recovery to podium, overcoming adversity, and mental health and performance. Through vulnerability and strength, he shows audiences how he rebuilt his identity. He also discovered purpose after his life changed in an instant.

Book Jed Altschwager motivational speaker for your next conference or leadership event. See Jed Altschwager’s full profile, keynote topics and testimonials on the Corporate Speakers Australia speaker page, or browse other motivational keynote speakers.

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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