Paul de Gelder's life has been marked by transformation and resilience. As a teenager, he was involved in reckless behavior, including drinking, fighting, and stealing, but he eventually left his hometown and began a new life working in bars and clubs, even opening for Snoop Dogg in 1998.
In 2000, at the age of 23, de Gelder joined the Royal Australian Army as a paratrooper, seeking a better life. He learned various skills, including jungle and urban warfare, unarmed combat, and parachuting, and was deployed as a United Nations peacekeeper.
In 2005, de Gelder attempted the challenging Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver selection process, which he completed after a year of training. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 2009 when he was attacked by a bull shark while diving, losing both his arms and leg.
Despite the severity of his injuries, de Gelder refused to give up. He fought through excruciating pain, overcoming numerous challenges, and amazed medical staff with his determination to recover. His will to succeed was unwavering.
After leaving full-time Navy service in 2012, de Gelder became a top motivational speaker, passionate environmentalist, adventurer, and mentor to school kids. He has traveled the world, sharing his story and promoting shark conservation.
De Gelder has also faced his fears head-on, learning to swim with the sharks he once despised. He has dived with various breeds, including great whites, bull sharks, and hammerheads, and has even hand-fed sharks in Fiji and the Bahamas.
As a speaker, de Gelder has addressed audiences worldwide, including the United Nations, the US Navy, and multi-million dollar corporations. He has been recognized as one of the top 15 inspirational Australians and top 10 speakers.
De Gelder has also appeared on various TV shows, including the Biggest Loser Australia and Shark Week. He has hosted documentaries, including the National Geographic special 'Fearless,' and has made his acting debut in FOXTEL'S 'Fighting Season' and 'Shellshocked' in 2022.
Throughout his life, de Gelder has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity and pursuing his passions. His story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and transformation.
