Jaco van Gass OBE

Jaco van Gass is a four times Paralympic Gold Medalist and British Armed Forces Veteran, awarded the OBE in 2015.

It was whilst he was serving his second tour of Afghanistan in 2009 that he lost his left arm at the elbow by a rocket-propelled grenade. He also suffered a collapsed left lung, punctured internal organs, shrapnel wounds to his left side, blast wounds to his upper thigh, a fractured knee, and a broken tibia. He underwent 11 surgeries and intense rehabilitation.

Now a para-cyclist, Jaco Van Gass has won a number of national championships and paralympic medals, and set three world records whilst competing at the Tokyo 2020 games.

He has been featured on BBC Sport, Manchester Evening News, and Sports Vibe TV, as well as in The Guardian, Riddle Magazine, Bikes Etc. Magazine, and Off the Ropes podcast.

In 2022 he published his autobiography, Jaco Van Gass: Unequivocal: My Story.

He is now a highly sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring organisations, businesses, charities, and individuals around the world, sharing the highs and lows of his extraordinary journey.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book Jaco van Gass to host your next event.

Type Of Speaker

Business & Finance Disability Diversity Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Exploration & Military Health & Wellbeing Hidden Disabilities High Performance Leadership & Teamwork Personal Development Resilience Speaker Sport

More About Jaco van Gass OBE

Born in South Africa, Jaco van Gass moved to England when he was 20, joining the elite Parachute Regiment of the British Armed Forces. The aforementioned injuries he suffered ended his military career, and despite the physical and mental trauma he suffered, he refused to let his injuries define him.

He has gone on to become a downhill skier and marathon runner; he climbed Mount Denali in Alaska and attempted Mount Everest; and was a member of the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers who trekked unsupported to the North Pole alongside Prince Harry.

He has summited Italy’s highest point, Grand Paradiso; cycled the Carretera Austral, a 1,200km, mostly dirt, highway in Patagonia; was part of the first disabled team to complete the ABSA Cape Epic; and cycled in the Race Across America in six days.

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JACO VAN GASS | ATHLETE

Jaco’s first foray into athletics was as a skier, competing as a member of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team. He then turned his interest to cycling and joined the Paralympic Development Program in 2013. He competed at the 2014 Invictus Games, winning two gold medals in cycling.

Jaco later joined the GB Para-Cycling Team, where he has gone onto become an 11-time World Champion.

He achieved his dream at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, winning two gold medals and a bronze. He then added to this at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, winning two golds. He also holds one bronze, six silver, and eight gold World Championship medals across the individual pursuit, road race, 3K pursuit, mixed team spring, 1k pursuit, scratch race, and omnium.

He was appointed an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list for his services to cycling.

Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com – 31/08/2024 – Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Para Cycling Track – National Velodrome, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France – Men’s C1-3 1000m Time Trial – Final – Jaco van Gass (Great Britain) celebrates his time in the Men’s C1-3 1000m Time Trial Final

JACO VAN GASS | CORPORATE WORK

Jaco is now an established and highly sought-after motivational speaker for businesses, organisations, charities, and individuals, helping them to embrace change, overcome adversity, and achieve their goals.

After reaching some incredible personal and professional goals, he has been invited to speak all over the UK and South Africa in businesses, schools, and universities. His talks encompass physical hardship, the ability to change, and smashing world records.

JACO VAN GASS | SPEAKING TOPICS

– Overcoming Adversity

– Resilience and Mindset

– Mental Health

– Disability, Inclusion, and Accessibility

– Leadership and Teamwork

– Goal Setting

– Motivation

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JACO VAN GASS | CLIENTS

Allianz, Amazon, Aviva, Bank of America, Barclays, Estee Lauder, ITV

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Jaco van Gass to speak at or host your next live event worldwide.

Contact us.

Testimonials

Jaco van Gass’ visit to Abbey Gate College on Remembrance Day was one of the best experiences of my 28 years of teaching. A truly remarkable young man whose personal story was told with sensitivity and a real awareness of his audience. He wowed our Junior 5 and 6 pupils with his heroic tales and inspired our Sixth Formers with untold courage of how he overcame adversity of the worst kind. Inspirational, humble and passionate about life, it was a real pleasure to have met Jaco. His story will be remembered by all who heard him speak for a very long time.

Abbeygate College Teacher

I am just someone who attended an event you spoke at last night, you don’t know me and all I know about you is a 60 minute story of your inspirational life, but I do want you know that your story has moved me, inspired me, and made me consider what if things aren’t the same tomorrow as they are today and for that I am eternally grateful to you as that change in perspective will ultimately help drive me on my journey to be the best I can be.

David, Speaking Event Attendee

Not only is Jaco one of the most delightful, humble and effortlessly charming individuals you will meet but he has an extraordinary life story that he is (unusually for someone in his position) able to articulate publicly with honesty, humour and skill that is profoundly moving. I would recommend him for almost any public speaking engagement but especially as a motivational speaker.

Mark Cann, British Forces

We were absolutely honoured to have Jaco Van Gass speak at one of our client events. His story was nothing short of inspiring, humbling, and deeply thought-provoking. The way he delivered his message—with the perfect balance of humour, insight, and sincerity—left a lasting impact on everyone in the room. The feedback from our clients has been overwhelmingly positive.

Many have shared how moved they were by Jaco’s journey and how much they took away from his words. We’ve no doubt his book will be widely read by our guests following the event. We are incredibly grateful to Jaco for sharing his time and his story with us. It was a truly memorable experience—one that will be talked about for many years to come, and an event that will be very hard to top. Thank you again, Jaco.

Anonymous

I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jaco for his incredible contribution to our recent event. His session was nothing short of inspiring, and the journey he shared with us left a deep and lasting impression on everyone present. By the end of his talk, we all felt as though we had walked alongside him through the challenges and triumphs he described. It was not only powerful but deeply emotional too, resonating with so many of us on a personal level.

Jaco’s ability to connect his experiences to the way we navigate our own challenges— especially in times of uncertainty—was eye-opening. He reminded us of the importance of focusing on our goals and taking deliberate steps towards trying to achieve them, even when the path ahead feels uncertain and we may need to try another route. It was a timely and much[1]needed reminder for us all.

Investec

I’ve had the pleasure of hosting Jaco van Gass as a keynote speaker on two separate occasions, and each time he has delivered with remarkable impact. His story is not only powerful and inspiring, but he has a rare talent for tailoring it to align seamlessly with our corporate objectives. It never feels generic — Jaco makes it personal, relevant, and emotionally resonant in a way that few speakers of his calibre are willing or able to do.

What sets Jaco apart is not just the message, but the man himself. His warmth, humility, and genuine interest in engaging with people after his talk leave a lasting impression. Our teams were deeply moved and energised by his presence. I cannot recommend Jaco highly enough — he is a true source of inspiration, and any organisation would be lucky to have him speak.

Anonymous