Terry Kennedy

A big part of Kennedy’s speaking focuses on challenging people to discover a purpose and develop and set big goals. He strongly emphasises the importance of accountability not allowing circumstances outside of your control to hinder your goals. Kennedy advocates looking forward after a crisis and not be discouraged by challenges and setbacks, which may arise. He inspires audiences to create big goals and announce them publicly and in turn creating personal accountability.

Kennedy had run 44 km, when the distance for the race was 42.2 km, this was due to zigzagging which was put down to balance issues. A neurologist advised him to cycle and swim to assist in the balance issues he was having. After beginning work in cycling and swimming, he signed up as a late entrant to The Melbourne Ironman. Terry hadn't swam 50m or cycled a kilometre in 15 years so he underwent an arduous training program and completed the Melbourne Ironman in March 2013 some 8 months after being discharged from hospital.

In July 2013 Kennedy won a place into the Hawaii Ironman World Championships. Kennedy was awarded his place in the October 2013 event by public vote under the Kona Inspired completion as one of the 6 most inspirational athletes around the world.

In 2013 Kennedy established himself as a public speaker. He delivers a motivational and inspirational presentation detailing his story of overcoming tremendous adversities one after the other and coming out on top. Terry captured headlines across Australia with his story of dealing with near death experiences far beyond his control and then controlling what he could in regaining his health to complete an Ironman event.

Terry Kennedy (born 13 June 1978) is an Australian motivational speaker and amateur endurance triathlete. Kennedy is best known for completing the Melbourne marathon and Melbourne Ironman less than 9 months after a near fatal stroke and heart attack.