Kurt Fearnley AO

Kurt Fearnley AO PLY made his Paralympic debut in Sydney in 2000, embarking on a decorated career that includes three gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals across five Paralympic Games. His significant victories include two gold medals at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games in the 5000m T54 and Marathon T54 events, and another marathon gold at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2005. Fearnley also dominated major marathons globally, securing four New York City Marathon titles, including a fifth win in 2014, three consecutive Chicago Marathon titles, and victories in Seoul, Paris, London, and Sydney by 2009.

Fearnley was also named GQ Sporting Legend in 2018 and the 2019 NSW Australian of the Year, leading to the establishment of the Kurt Fearnley Scholarship in 2019. His commitment to social causes is exemplified by his 2009 endeavor where he crawled the Kokoda Track, a 96-kilometer journey completed in 10 days, to raise awareness for men’s health. Transitioning into extensive advocacy and media roles following his retirement from competitive Para-athletics, Fearnley was appointed Chair of the National Disability Insurance Agency Board, became a Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission, and joined the Board of Directors for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee and Paralympics Australia’s Board of Directors. In 2020, he hosted ABC’s One Plus One and co-hosted the All Sports Show, the same year a River-class ferry on the Sydney Ferries network was named in his honour.

His ongoing roles continue to drive national initiatives and provide strategic direction for major sporting events in Australia.