Olympic sailor who survived a coma and brain surgery at 16, relearned to talk, and made the Tokyo Games
Tess Lloyd OLY is an Olympic yachtswoman who grew up in Melbourne — and very nearly didn't get the chance to grow up at all. At 16, competing at her national youth championships, she was knocked unconscious by a windsurfer and placed in a medically induced coma for three weeks. Major brain surgery left her with nine screws and a plate in her head, and her rehabilitation stretched across seven years, during which she had to relearn the most basic tasks, including how to talk. She never lost sight of her dream of becoming an Olympian. In 2020, she achieved it — named to the 49erFX Australian Olympic team for the postponed Tokyo Games.
Tess's story is not simply about surviving a catastrophic accident. It is about strategy — the deliberate, step-by-step plan she set to rebuild her life and her sailing career, and the determination and resilience to see it through. Her experience instilled a profound gratitude for every opportunity and moment, and a conviction that setbacks are not the end of the journey but stepping stones on the path to success. Alongside her athletic career she holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and has extensive public speaking experience.
Audiences come away with a renewed appreciation for what commitment and self-belief can achieve, and with practical perspectives on resilience, gratitude, embracing change, teamwork and finding your voice. A teacher with 25 years of experience described being in awe of the engagement Tess holds in her sessions; corporate clients call her a knockout. For conferences, schools, workplace wellbeing events and leadership programs, Tess Lloyd offers living proof that a life rebuilt from the ground up can reach the highest level of sport in the world.
Tess Lloyd OLY is a keynote speaker based in Victoria who speaks on inspiration, mental health & wellbeing and motivation. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Tess is inspiring to listen to and the students walk away armed with tools that help build character and resilience. She has a beautiful presence, speaking calmly with all the students and still has a strong sense of leadership and control over the direction of the conversations. I have 25 years of teaching experience and I am in awe of the control and engagement Tess holds in these sessions.Australian Sports Museum
Tess was fantastic! So well spoken, on time, and even stayed after to chat with the employees. 11/10! Great stuffSafety Victoria
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for attending our event last night. You were an absolute knock out and everyone said you were incredible.Mentone Girls Grammar
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