About Don Elgin
Don Elgin is many things. He’s a Paralympic medallist, motivational speaker, author, husband and proud dad of four. He’s also an ordinary bloke who’s managed to achieve some extraordinary things through hard work, grit and determination. A true glass-half-full type, Don believes in turning challenges into opportunities. By sharing his story with audiences across Australia, he inspires others to do the same.
It all started with a dream and a dodgy artificial leg
Don’s story began in the rural town of Tocumwal in New South Wales. Born without the lower half of his left leg, Don was different to other kids… but it took him a while to catch on. It wasn’t until high school, when a mate mentioned the Paralympics, that Don considered he might be disabled. Even then, he had to be convinced.
He wasn’t old. He wasn’t in a wheelchair. He wasn’t missing out on life. In fact, he was kicking some able-bodied butt in footy, swimming and track and field. Sure, he had a dodgy artificial leg that wasn’t designed for more than walking, but Don showed that leg who was boss. Disabled? Don didn’t think so.
However, being ‘disabled’ opened up a whole new world of sporting opportunities. Before discovering the Paralympics, Don played sport purely for fun. There were no elite athletes in Tocumwal. But Don set his sights on being the first. His Paralympic dream was born and representing Australia became Don’s obsession.
Don went on to realise his dream, representing Australia for the first time at the World Championships in 1994 and bagging a gold medal to boot. He has since competed in four World Championships and three Paralympic Games, medalling multiple times in pentathlon and relay events. He even competed in the 2014 Commonwealth Games at the ripe old age of 38. That’s 20 years after his national debut. Not bad for an old bloke.
Quotes
“Having one leg makes life interesting, but who wouldn’t want an interesting life?”
“What some people see as a handicap, I see as a golden ticket.”
“I’ve been fortunate to travel the world, represent Australia and do what I love. I reckon I’m a pretty lucky guy, and I love being able to pay that forward.”
From the sporting podium to the speaking podium
Since retiring from sport, Don hasn’t strayed far from the podium. These days he stands behind it. As one of Australia’s favourite motivational speakers, Don captivates and inspires audiences at corporate events, sporting functions, schools and fundraisers.
Don’s warmth, honesty and determination inspire people to have a go, no matter what challenges they face. His witty humour and presentation style ensure people remember his talks long after he’s left the room.
He also podiumed at the Independent Publisher Book Awards in 2016, scoring a silver medal for his autobiography, One Foot On The Podium.
Don’s sporting achievements
Paralympic Games
- 1996 — Pentathlon, Shot Put, Discus
- 2000 — Pentathlon (Bronze), 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, Long Jump, Shot Put, Discus
- 2004 — Pentathlon (Bronze), 4×100 m (Bronze), 4×400 m (Silver)
World Championships
- 1994 — 4×100 m (Gold), High Jump (Bronze), Shot Put
- 1998 — Pentathlon
- 2002 — Pentathlon (Silver), 4×100 m (Silver), 4×100 m (Bronze), Long Jump
- 2006 — Pentathlon
Commonwealth Games
- 2014 — Discus
Contact Don
Have questions? Want to book Don for a speaking gig? Simply want to say hello or share your own story? Get in touch. Don would love to hear from you.