Paralympic judo gold medallist, blinded at 17 — speaks on resilience, risk and disability awareness
Anthony Clarke OAM was blinded instantly in a car accident in 1978 at the age of 17. With very little education, no money and what he describes as a bleak future, he chose a different path — educating himself, competing at the highest level and winning Paralympic gold in judo in the men's up to 95kg division at Atlanta in 1996, across a Paralympic career that spanned five Games.
His story has two distinct threads that weave together on stage. The first is athletic: a career that reached the pinnacle of Paralympic competition, including a bronze at the 1993 Australian National Judo Championships, where he became the first blind competitor to reach an under-95kg semi-final against sighted opponents. The second is deeply personal — including his account of hitch-hiking around Australia with his first guide dog, Marcus, a story that carries sharp lessons about risk, leadership and knowing when to follow. Together they make for a presentation that is humorous, heartfelt and hard to forget.
Anthony holds a room — particularly a hard room. At one Tourism Eyre Peninsula conference he presented straight after lunch and delegates rated him 80 per cent excellent and 20 per cent very good in the post-event survey. He draws on lived experience to address disability awareness, resilience and the reframing of limitation, which suits conferences, community programs and school audiences — any event where an organiser needs a speaker who can carry a difficult session and leave people with something to use.
Anthony Clarke OAM is a keynote speaker based in South Australia who speaks on diversity & inclusion, inspiration and mental health & wellbeing. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Anthony was great. He has such a good personality and charisma. He got the audience engaged and got everyone involved in different ways. He is so positive in the way he tells his story. He made us laugh, think and value the positives in life. Everyone in the audience commended him and were glad they had the opportunity to listen to him.Red Cross
Anthony was a hit with the conference delegates, both throughout the conference and during his presentation. His presentation was humorous while at the same time having a valuable message for the delegates. Delegates were asked to complete a survey and rate their level of satisfaction — Anthony rated 80% excellent, 20% very good.Tourism Eyre Peninsula
At this prestigious annual conference consisting of Ophthalmologists & Optometrists, Anthony presented brilliantly and fully held our attention for the duration of his talk. He balanced his talk with sensitivity, light hearted life examples and truly spoke with empathy. On feedback from the conference attendees, Anthony was a highlight and made us take a deep look at how we interact with our patients.PMA
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