Champion marathon runner, dual Commonwealth gold medallist and 1983 Australian of the Year
Robert de Castella MBE OA is recognised as one of Australia's greatest athletes after dominating the world in the gruelling event of the marathon. He was Australia's number one marathon runner in the world in the 1980s, the first person to win the Commonwealth Games marathon twice, and the holder of two Commonwealth Games gold medals. He set the course record at the Boston Marathon. The honours followed: Australian of the Year and an MBE in 1983, induction into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame in 1986, and the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
Robert's contribution did not stop when the racing did. From 1990 to 1995 he was Director of the Australian Institute of Sport — moving from the very top of elite competition to leading the institution that develops Australia's next generation of athletes. Few speakers can talk about both performing under extreme pressure and administering high-performance sport at the national level with equal authority.
Audiences consistently report that Robert connects his sporting story to the business environment — clients have praised how he gave his success and key drivers a context that fitted their conference theme, with one describing him as a consummate professional and a model example to us all. He speaks on marathon running, sports administration, sport in Australia, and healthy, balanced lifestyles. For corporate conferences, performance-themed events and sporting functions, Robert de Castella offers the rare combination of a genuinely legendary athletic record and the leadership credentials to make it land in any boardroom.
Robert de Castella AO MBE is a keynote speaker based in Australian Capital Territory who speaks on inspiration, leadership and mental health & wellbeing. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Excellent. A consummate professional and a tireless worker. Robert de Castella is a model example to us all. Rob was not only an inspiring and interesting speaker, he made it relevant to our conference/business and to the theme of the conference. We couldn't have had a better speaker for this event!StorageTek
Robert de Castella spoke really well about his success and his key drivers. He gave it a context that fitted the business environment as well as the sporting environment.Sunrice
Robert de Castella was a very good speaker and tied in our performance management theme beautifully.Systems Union
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