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Moving from South Africa to England aged 20, Jaco van Gass joined the elite Parachute Regiment in the British Armed Forces.
During his second tour of Afghanistan in 2009, Jaco was hit by an RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade), His injuries included the loss of his left arm at the elbow, a collapsed lung, punctured internal organs, shrapnel wounds, and multiple fractures. He underwent 11 surgeries and intense rehabilitation. Incredibly, he survived.
Despite the end of his military career and the physical and mental trauma, Jaco refused to let his injuries define him. He went on to become a first-class downhill skier, marathon runner, and a member of the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers who trekked unsupported to the North Pole (alongside Prince Harry). He also climbed Mt. Denali in Alaska.
Jaco later joined the GB Para-Cycling Team, where he has gone onto become an 11-time World Champion.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Jaco competed at Tokyo 2020 Games winning two Gold medals, one Bronze medal and setting three World Records. Jaco returned to the Olympics for Paris 2024, where he defended his titles to win a further two Gold medals and broke two of his own World Records.
Jaco is now a sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring businesses, charities, and organisations around the world. He shares the highs and lows of his extraordinary journey, helping others to embrace change, overcome adversity, and achieve their goals.
Drawing on his extraordinary journey from the battlefield to the Paralympic podium, Jaco shares how he navigated life-changing injury and adversity. His story demonstrates the power of resilience, determination and perspective when facing challenges that can feel impossible to overcome.
Jaco explores how the right mindset can shape how we respond to adversity and uncertainty. Through his experiences in the military, extreme expeditions and elite sport, he shares practical insights into developing resilience, embracing change and continuing to move forward when the path ahead is difficult.
Jaco speaks openly about the psychological impact of trauma, injury and major life changes. He explores the importance of acknowledging challenges, seeking support and developing the mental resilience needed to navigate difficult periods and protect long-term wellbeing.
From serving in the British Armed Forces to competing as part of a world-class cycling team, Jaco understands the importance of trust, communication and shared purpose. He explores how strong teams are built and how effective leadership can empower individuals to perform at their best.
Drawing on his own experiences of becoming an amputee and returning to elite sport, Jaco challenges perceptions around disability and accessibility. He encourages audiences to think differently about inclusion, remove barriers and create environments where everyone has the opportunity to participate and succeed.
Jaco demonstrates how ambitious goals can provide direction and motivation, even during the most challenging times. From the North Pole to multiple Paralympic gold medals, he shares the importance of breaking big ambitions into achievable steps, staying focused and maintaining momentum when obstacles arise.
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.
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.
