Melbourne and Victoria’s most inspiring sports speakers

Sportspeople make excellent additions to any event program. By its very nature, competitive sports drives people to their physical limits. Sportspeople understand the payoff of hard work and dedication, lessons that apply to many areas of life.

 

Andrew Gaze AM

Andrew Gaze is a household name. Widely considered one of Australia’s most successful and respected sportspeople, Andrew has become one of Australia’s most famous basketballers.

He has represented Australia at a record five Olympic games. Not only that, but Andrew is the highest points scoring individual in Olympic history.

Andrew’s talents don’t stop at basketball. He’s a warm and engaging speaker, connecting with audiences everywhere on a personal level.

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Cathy Freeman OAM

Cathy Freeman cemented her legacy at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games when she became the first competing athlete to light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony. During those same Olympic games, Cathy went on to win the gold medal in the 400m sprint.

She is the first Aboriginal Australian woman to win a gold medal at an international sporting event.

Off the track, Cathy launched the Cathy Freeman Foundation, an initiative aiming to support Indigenous children to reach their sporting potential.

Cathy has unique insight into what it means to be the first person to achieve a specific dream. She speaks openly and honestly about her experiences as an Aboriginal woman in that context. Cathy is a proud Kuku Yalanji woman, and audiences everywhere love hearing her speak.

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Craig Bellamy

 

Craig Bellamy knows a thing or two about coaching. Among his many achievements, he can proudly say he has never coached a losing NRL season.

Since 2003 he has coached Melbourne Storm, and, with him at the helm, they have enjoyed win after win after win.

Craig happily shares the secrets to his success with audiences around Australia. He is an engaging and lively speaker and makes a fantastic addition to any program.

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Dylan Alcott AO

Dylan Alcott is one of the most famous faces in Australian tennis. His talent on the field is unparalleled. He is the only male tennis player to win the grand slam title – winning the French, US, Australian, and Wimbledon opens and a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

His Olympic achievements didn’t start with tennis. In 2008 at the Beijing Paralympic Games, Dylan became the youngest ever gold medallist in wheelchair basketball.

Off the field, Dylan has founded the Dylan Alcott Foundation to support young people to accept their disabilities.

Dylan’s experiences make for fascinating stories, and he inspires and motivates like no other. He was recently named the 2022 Australian of the Year.

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Emma Carney

Emma Carney is a giant in the world of triathlon. She has been the world number one three times and has set the record for the astonishing number of world championship wins she has accumulated.

When Emma’s career as an athlete was cut short in 2004 by a cardiac arrest, she bounced back. She moved into coaching, inspiring and coaching the next generation of medal and championship winners.

Emma’s story is one of resilience and of overcoming adversity. She is an advocate for women in sport and an excellent speaker.

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Jelena Dokic

Jelena Dokic has overcome many personal struggles to become the former tennis world number four. The difficult situation Jelena was living in at home was invisible behind the public success.

At just sixteen years of age, Jelena made it to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon despite the abuse she was suffering at the hands of her father and coach.

Most recently, Jelena commentated the 2022 Australian Open. Her warm and open interviews with other players have been highly praised by players and fans alike.

Jelena tells her story with vulnerability and honesty. She inspires audiences everywhere with her honesty and courage.

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Kathy Watt OAM

Kathy Watt is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the track. In 1992 at the Barcelona Olympics, she became the first Australian to win Olympic Road Gold and the only person ever to win medals in both track and road cycling.

When her career as an Olympian drew to a close, Kathy pursued her other passions, including sports photography. Her photography skills are as impressive as her cycling, and she has won several international awards for her photo coverage of both the winter and summer Olympics.

Kathy has followed her dreams at every turn, and the outcome has been internationally recognised success. Her story inspires audiences to follow their passion, and she is an excellent keynote speaker.

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Kevin Sheedy AO

Kevin Sheedy is the man to turn to when it comes to AFL. Nobody knows the game as he does. This four-time AFL premiership coach knows how to spin a yarn and has lived a life full of exciting experiences that he shares freely with audiences.

Kevin has changed the face and nature of AFL in Australia and knows what it takes to build and coach successful teams. His anecdotes translate into all areas of life, and Kevin is a motivating and witty speaker.

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Kitty Chiller AM

Kitty Chiller made history in 2016 as the first female Chef de Mission at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Her unique vision for the 2016 games secured her this critical role.

Kitty has a long history with the Olympic Games. She has held every Olympic games-related role under the sun, and her vision has consistently been one of unity and strength. She joined the administrative side of the Olympics once her time as a successful, world-class pentathlete had run its course.

Kitty is a visionary whose drive and dedication make her a world-class speaker.

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Lauren Burns OAM

Lauren Burns is a jack of all trades, yet somehow master of them all. When Taekwondo was first included as an Olympic sport in the year 2000, Lauren made history by winning the sport’s first-ever medal.

A highly successful author, childcare nutrition advisor, executive coach and busy family head, Lauren really can do it all.

Lauren’s approach to her speaking engagements is hands-on, and she gives audiences practical tools and inspiration to make their lives easier and better.

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Nicole Livingstone OAM

Nicole Livingstone has led a life of firsts and records. She is the only Australian to have competed in the Pan Pacific Swimming Championship six consecutive times and set a swimming record at the Barcelona Olympic Games that held for 16 years.

Today, Nicole has dedicated herself to women’s health and sports. She is the co-founder of Ovarian Cancer Australia, is on the Swimming Australia board and heads the AFL Women’s Football.

Nicole’s impressive experience across so many facets of the sporting world make her an excellent and well-seasoned speaker in this area. She motivates with her determination and drive and makes a fantastic addition to any program.

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These speakers bring a wealth of experience to the table. They understand what it means to push themselves and are experienced in driving and motivating others. The speakers listed above can be booked for your next event through ICMI. Contact us today to find out more.