MTC

Danny Crates is one of the UK's Paralympic hero's. One of most successful athletes of the past decade, without question the pinnacle of his career was claiming gold in the T46 class at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens. Danny is able to look back fondly on a glittering career that also saw him attain European Championship, Paralympic World Cup winner's medals, as well as world records along the way.

Facing a promising rugby career, playing at both regional and county level, Danny suffered a horrific accident in 1994 whilst travelling and working in Australia, losing his right arm. Not to be deterred, Danny resumed his rugby activities, becoming the only known arm amputee playing club rugby in the country, receiving worldwide media attention.  He also turned his attention to athletics.  As a natural speedster, he soon found that he was competing with the best in the World in his event, the T46 400m arm amputee class. In the 1998 World Championships, Danny made his international debut, winning a silver medal in the 4 x 400m relay event, whilst setting a new European record. However, it was at the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000 where he began his incredible individual medal tally. He was narrowly beaten into a bronze medal position in the 400m. The following year saw Danny capture the European 400m title.

He then turned his attention to the 800 m - a transition which lead him to secure both the 2003 World Indoor 800m title and European 800m outdoor title.  In 2004 he set a new world outdoor record with a time of 1:53.29 and became Paralympic champion. After Athens, Danny set his sights firmly on the 2006 world championships, where he again won gold.

 Danny was given the honour of carrying the GB flag at the Opening ceremony in Beijing 2008, but was unable to compete due to an injury sustained on the day before he was due to race. Danny reluctantly retired from International competition in July 2009 but now has his sights firmly set on becoming one of Britain's top platform motivational speakers. Simply put, Danny is one of life's natural characters; he will speak openly and from the heart. He shares his experiences readily with others, from young schoolchildren to seasoned corporate executives. Danny is an excellent speaker and motivator. His vast experience of making keynote speeches added with his natural charm, humour and ability to tailor his delivery to suit the needs of the client ensure that additional impact required to make any event or conference one to remember!

2011
2011 IPC Athletics World Championships Highlights Channel 4 - presenter

MOTIVATIONAL / INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER

Danny Crates is undoubtedly one of the greatest Paralympians that Great Britain has ever produced. In an illustrious career that saw him become Paralympic, World and European champion over 800 metres, collecting 14 major medals in the process; his outstanding sporting achievements have ensured a smooth transition into the corporate market following retirement in 2009.  

Style:

Danny's relaxed manner lends itself perfectly to a wide variety of corporate engagements. Comfortable presenting to a large number of spectators, his adaptable approach means he's also well equipped delivering to smaller, more intimate audiences.

Content:

Honest and engaging, Danny's experience of competition at the very highest level places him in a unique position to impart his inspirational story across a plethora of audiences. Capable of working towards a brief, incorporating specific messages or tailoring his existing material to highlight certain business areas, Danny is particularly apt in delivering speeches that draw on the well publicised sport-business parallels.

Given his adaptability, Danny's story is truly inspiring and never fails to engage his audience.

Key Points:

• Dedication
• Self-Belief
• Positive mindset
• Succeeding through adversity

Testimonials:

"Superb! What set Danny aside from other speakers was his ability to draw on the parallels between business and sport which was exactly what we wanted. He exceeded all expectations"
Lloyds TSB