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Paralympic champion & resilience expert

Jaco van Gass

Inspire resilience and peak performance with Jaco van Gass, speaker, Paralympic champion and motivational expert. Jaco works with organisations to overcome adversity, build mental resilience, and achieve ambitious goals, delivering world-record insights as 4x Paralympic gold medallist and bestselling author.

Trusted by Barclays, ITV, Uniglobe Travel, Aviva, Bank of America

Jaco van Gass, Speaker | Paralympic Champion & Veteran
Jaco van Gass

Jaco van Gass

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Birmingham, United Kingdom

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£2k–5k

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Jaco van Gass's biography

At a glance

  • Former paratrooper and Paralympian sharing lessons in resilience
  • 4x Paralympic gold medallist and 11x world champion cyclist
  • Record-breaking adventurer and author on overcoming adversity
Jaco van Gass is a Paralympic champion, world record holder, and British Armed Forces veteran whose story of resilience and achievement continues to inspire audiences worldwide. A 4x Paralympic gold medallist and 11x world champion cyclist, Jaco has defied the limits of human endurance as a skier, mountaineer, and polar explorer. Born in South Africa, Jaco moved to the United Kingdom at twenty to join the elite Parachute Regiment. During his second tour of Afghanistan in 2009, he sustained life-changing injuries. Refusing to be defined by these challenges, he rebuilt his life with extraordinary determination, becoming a first-class athlete and adventurer. He has skied, run marathons, climbed Mt Denali, and trekked to the North Pole alongside Prince Harry. Jaco joined the GB Para-Cycling Team, where he went on to achieve global success, including four Paralympic gold medals, one bronze, and multiple world records at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. His 2022 memoir, Unequivocal, chronicles his journey through recovery, sport, and rediscovery of purpose. Today, Jaco is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, addressing audiences across business, education, and charity sectors. Blending humility, humour, and candour, he shares practical lessons on resilience, adaptability, leadership, and high performance drawn from both the battlefield and elite sport. His story challenges assumptions about limitation and capability, leaving audiences with a renewed sense of purpose and perspective. Book Jaco to inspire your organisation to overcome setbacks, embrace change, and pursue excellence against all odds.

Jaco's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Jaco

Jaco van Gass brings powerful lessons on resilience, adaptability, and high performance, drawn from his journey as a Paralympic champion and veteran, to motivate teams to overcome challenges and achieve more. Book Jaco today to empower your organisation with fresh perspective and practical strategies for success.

Check Jaco's availability

Trusted by Barclays, ITV, Uniglobe Travel, Aviva, Bank of America

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.

Abbey Gate College

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 FDN

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.

Featured Projects

Jaco van Gass - Unequivocal - My Story book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jaco van Gass for my next event?

What is Jaco van Gass's speaking style like?

Jaco van Gass structures his keynote around first-person narrative, drawing on documented events from his military service, injury recovery, and Paralympic career to illustrate lessons in resilience, adaptability, and high performance.

What topics does Jaco van Gass specialise in?

Jaco van Gass speaks on resilience, high performance, leadership, adaptability, disability awareness, and growth mindset, drawing on his experiences as a combat veteran, elite para-cyclist, and polar and high-altitude explorer. He is a four-time Paralympic gold medallist and eleven-time world champion cyclist, credentials documented across the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games and in his 2022 memoir, Unequivocal.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.