John Maclean

After 25 years in a wheelchair, John had become one of the most accomplished wheelchair athletes in the world: he was the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship, the first non-American inducted into the event’s Hall of Fame, and the first paraplegic to swim the English Channel. He has competed in multiple sports at the Paralympic games and was a Silver Medallist in Beijing Paralympic 2008, he sailed the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, competed in the gruelling Molokai Ocean open ocean paddling championships, and took part in the invitation-only extreme endurance event, the Ultraman World Championships. An incomplete paraplegic, with some movement and feeling in his left leg, John was always able to support his weight, on crutches, for short periods of time, and after discovering an alternative therapy, Neurophysics, John took his first steps in 25 years in 2013. Although the wheelchair remains John’s primary mode of movement, this dramatic and extraordinary development is allowing him to rediscover life, walking short distances unassisted. True to his mantra how far can you go? John Maclean qualified to represent Australia at the Paracanoe World Cup in May 2022. This is the 5th time John represented his country, in a 5th different sport, at the age of 55. He has just taken on adaptive surfing and is planning to complete in the championships in Hawaii in May this year. John’s hard-won wisdom and inspiration have touched the hearts of countless people and corporations worldwide, helping them achieve unparalleled focus and realize their true potential. His story of courage and finding opportunity over adversity is a true game-changer.