Tony Christiansen

Biography

Tony Christiansen is one of Australasia’s leading motivational and inspirational speaker. He is humorous, bold and straight talking as he brings you a story you will never forget. The basis of Tony’s presentation is self-belief; the theme is simply "Your attitude determines your altitude in life".

Tony has no legs, a result of a horrific train accident when he was 9 years old yet has achieved remarkable feats in his life. He shares his life story and the secrets to his incredible success and encourages his audience to set their own challenges, rather than accept the limitations imposed by their own attitudes and other people's perception.

Tony has never allowed his disability to slow him down. In fact, he has achieved more in his life than most of us are willing to even try.

Tony has scaled the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro and participated in Speedweek at the Bonneville Salt Flats where he gained the reputation of being the “World’s Fastest Amputee”. In 2012, Tony took position as driver of the 2-man bobsled and raced down the Utah Olympic Park bobsled course with the US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation in an effort to apply for the sport’s inclusion in the 2018 and 2022 Winter Paralympics.

Tony finds delight in every living moment and shares his passion and enthusiasm with audiences. Now in constant demand as a keynote speaker to corporations and conferences, he has spoken all over the world, leaving his audiences with an insight of what can be achieved with determination, belief, a burning desire to succeed and accept the challenges in life.

In his presentations, he exudes a strong presence and speaks with clarity and purpose. Tony starts by climbing a 1.5-metre high scaffolding, a stunning start to the roller coaster of emotions which he takes audiences through.

Tony has written three best-selling books – Race You to the Top: The Incredible Story of Tony Christiansen, Attitude Plus: Tony Christiansen’s Secrets of Success and Don’t Just Sit There.

Tony Christiansen is a world-leading motivational and inspirational speaker. He is humourous, bold and straight talking as he brings you a story you will never forget. The basis of Tony’s presentation is self-belief; the theme is simply "Your attitude determines your altitude in life". 

Tony has no legs, a result of a horrific train accident when he was 9 years old yet has achieved remarkable feats in his life. He shares his life story and the secrets to his incredible success and encourages his audience to set their own challenges, rather than accept the limitations imposed by their own attitudes and other people's perception. 

Tony has never allowed his disability to slow him down. In fact, he has achieved more in his life than most of us are willing to even try. Amongst other things, Tony is  

• Successful businessman;

• Former City Councillor;

• Author of 3 best-selling books;

• Qualified lifeguard honoured by the World Surf Lifesaving Federation;

• World-class athlete & medallist;

• Certified Open Water scuba diver;

• Second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do;

• Motor racing champion;

• Adept Snow-skier; and

• Pilot; the first disabled New Zealander to fly solo and the first person with a disability who learned to fly from scratch; 

In 2002, Tony scaled the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s 5th highest mountain. Several years later, he participated in Speedweek at the Bonneville Salt Flats and achieved the top speed of 182 mph, gaining him the reputation of being the “World’s Fastest Amputee”. In 2012, Tony took position as driver of the 2-man bobsled and raced down the Utah Olympic Park bobsled course with the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation in an effort to apply for the sport’s inclusion in the 2022 Winter Paralympics. 

More recently, Tony cycled the entire length of the Central Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand. Tony finds delight in every living moment and shares his passion and enthusiasm with audiences. Now in constant demand as a keynote speaker to corporations and conferences, he has spoken in various countries around the world, leaving his audiences with an insight of what can be achieved with determination, belief and a burning desire to succeed and accept the challenges in life. 

In his presentations, he exudes a strong presence and speaks with clarity and purpose, and eliminates redundant words. Tony starts by climbing a 1.5-metre high scaffolding, a stunning start to the roller coaster of emotions which he takes audiences through. 

Tony has written 3 best-selling books and has available for sale with his presentations “Race You To The Top” and “Attitude Plus!”. He is happy to stay after his presentation to autograph them. 

You will laugh, you will cry and you will never forget…

Topics

• Your Attitude Determines your Altitude in Life
  Tony Christiansen tells an unforgettable and inspiring story that will leave the audience believing that nothing is beyond their abilities. From the first time the audience set eyes on Tony, they will be in awe. Without any words, there is no denying that he is different. He doesn't have any legs. Yet he has achieved more in his life that most people are even willing to try.
  
  Tony starts by climbing a trestle, a stunning show in itself. He exudes a strong presence and on the trestle, his disability is visually staggering. In his presentation, he is straight-talking and a living testament of what can be achieved with the right attitude. Most of all, he speaks with confidence, clarity and an engaging humour that holds the audience’s attention without the aid of any slides, making the audience forget about his disability at times.
  
  Tony’s presentation has no theories, models or frameworks and he does not instruct anyone what to do. He speaks for 45 to 90 minutes (as required), straight from the heart and tells true life stories about rising above incredible adversity and challenges to
  accomplish amazing goals. He also shows up to 3 videos depending on time.
  
  Tony has spoken to people from all walks of life, from powerful politicians and successful business people to veterans and students, across many countries and cultures. His remarkable story is one that everybody relates to because it is about the strength of mankind.
  
  The audience will laugh. Some may even cry. Tony’s message is important. It is thought-provoking. And he is truly inspirational.
  Commanding standing ovations around the world, Tony Christiansen's story will hit right where it matters – the heart. He will break through and the audience will respond.
• Be the Best
• Nothing is Impossible
• Goal-setting
• Dealing with Change and/or Challenges
• Overcoming Adversity

Testimonials

Tony’s presentation was fantastic.  He is a remarkable man and his stories have a way of touching everyone who has the privilege to hear him. 
Jeff Dobson, New Zealand Drag Racing Association

Thank you for the excellent presentation last night. I was amazed that our people were still on a high from it this morning.
Sean Leonard, Auckland Airport

Tony demonstrates success as a mindset that depends on your attitude. His achievements and the way he tells his story inspires his audience with a level of humour that only someone with Tony's background can elude to. As a motivational speaker, I truly don't know anyone better.
Perry Scarfe, Tyres4U Australia

Your presentation had the desired outcome (and then some!). The feedback that I have received from the participants has been overwhelming, and I know that you have made a significant impact on their lives.
Darren O'Connor, CSL Biotherapies Australia

I was blown away by the audience’s response. The energy and power of his story wowed our members that day.
Murray Chapman, Auckland Chamber of Commerce

Tony’s effect on the audience was profound. There were tears, laughter and a palpable sense of awe; not only at his achievements but also his attitude towards what would have been a huge disability for most. He engaged the audience on a personal level and really connected to each and every one.
Eleanor Currier, NZ Institute Of Chartered Accountants

The standing ovation you received says it all. Your story of courage and overcoming what would destroy most people was truly inspirational. You were rated top in the assessments completed.
Greg Walker, Downtown Auckland Rotary Club

After listening to Tony’s presentation, I am not sure whether he is or I am the disabled person. Tony was truly inspirational not only for the disabled community but also for the rest of us.
Halimah Yacob, Speaker Of Singapore Parliament

Tony's life story is inspirational. The way he shares his story made it not only inspirational but entertaining. It had a great impact on the audience.
Jody Dharmawan, PT Lee Cooper Indonesia

The tremendous willpower and enthusiasm coupled with exceptionally positive attitude towards life that Tony exhibits inspired us to excel no matter how challenging the circumstances are. It was a truly wonderful experience to have met Tony.
Shamit Khemka, Synapse Communications India

I was invited to Tony's presentation today and was so amazed that I have engaged him to inspire 300 members of my staff right away!
Vikram Akula, SKS Microfinance India

His 'Never Say Die Attitude' is living proof of the extraordinary human spirit and I was truly and incredibly impressed with Tony.
Jake Abdullah, AMP Radio Networks Malaysia