Dave Walsh is a world-renowned motivational speaker, disability advocate, and record-breaking strongman. A two-time World’s Strongest Disabled Man and Guinness World Record holder, Dave inspires audiences worldwide with his incredible journey of triumph over adversity. From overcoming a challenging upbringing and life-altering diagnosis to excelling in elite sports, his story exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset.
Dave’s path to success began with a tumultuous start in life. At just 16, he joined the military, seeking an escape and an opportunity to forge a better future. During his decade of service, Dave became an adventure training instructor and completed a tour in Iraq. While in the Army, he faced significant mental health challenges, which deepened his understanding of the importance of mental resilience and seeking help. After leaving the military to prioritise family stability and support his wife’s education, Dave encountered new struggles, including depression and his eventual diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2014.
Despite these obstacles, Dave turned his challenges into fuel for success. He channelled his energy into strength training, which led to his remarkable achievements in disabled strongman competitions. He has earned numerous titles, including three Britain’s Strongest Disabled Man titles and back-to-back World’s Strongest Disabled Man victories in 2022 and 2023. In addition, Dave holds a Guinness World Record for the heaviest wheelchair vehicle pull, further cementing his legacy as a world-class athlete.
Today, Dave Walsh uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, disability inclusion, and resilience. His compelling speeches cover topics such as men’s mental health, disability in the workplace, and motivation in adversity. With a natural ability to connect with audiences, Dave is a sought-after speaker whose story not only inspires but empowers others to overcome their own challenges.
How to hire Dave Walsh
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Dave Walsh for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Dave Walsh's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Mental Health
- Men’s Mental Health
- Disability in the Workplace
- Resilience and Adaptability
- Motivation and Inspiration
- Military and Leadership Lessons
- Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events:
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"Dave delivered the most heart-warming and inspiring session to our Disability Employee Network and Veterans' Network. The session was packed out and we received wonderful feedback from our delegates: "Super inspirational"; "Totally absorbing"; "What an incredible journey"; "So helpful". We particularly appreciated Dave's warmth and candour about his highs and lows, and he shared many insights we could take away and apply to our own lives from managing mental health challenges, navigating the working environment through various shocks, dealing with illness and connecting with others. Thank you, Dave, I can genuinely say I won't ever forget this event and how it made us feel as a group." - Kirsten, Director, Market Development at Thomson Reuters
"Dave delivered the most heart-warming and inspiring session to our Disability Employee Network and Veterans' Network.
The session was packed out and we received wonderful feedback from our delegates: 'Super inspirational'; 'Totally absorbing'; 'What an incredible journey'; 'So helpful.'
We particularly appreciated Dave's warmth and candour about his highs and lows, and he shared many insights we could take away and apply to our own lives—from managing mental health challenges, navigating the working environment through various shocks, dealing with illness, and connecting with others.
Thank you, Dave, I can genuinely say I won't ever forget this event and how it made us feel as a group." - Kirsten, Director, Thomson Reuters
"Thank you for being a beautiful example of what a real man looks like. Being willing to talk and seek help is what real strength looks like, and you are a testament to that." - Playtech
"His powerful narrative of overcoming significant challenges through strength and determination was a beacon of hope, emphasising the importance of reaching out with mental health issues." - Andrei, C Banarescu, Euroclear
Feedback from Virtual Events:
"We had the pleasure of having Dave come to speak with our colleagues at AMS for International Day of People with Disabilities in December and I could not recommend Dave enough. Whilst being his funny and genuine self, Dave was open and honest about his struggles inc his time in the Army and coming out of that, to being diagnosed with MS and his relationship now with his family (not to mention his achievements in sport and strongman). Coming out of the call, I felt so motivated to not only do better in supporting my disabled colleagues as an ally but doing more for my community and bringing people together (to talk if nothing else). Whilst I don't like to label people inspirational, Dave certainly gave me and others inspiration to do more and do better, Thank you Dave and I hope we can work together again in 2025!" - Darshan, Employee Resource Group Strategy Lead, DEIB Consultant
- 2023 – Guinness World Record: Heaviest Wheelchair Vehicle Pull (9,360kg, 17.5 metres)
- 2022 & 2023 – Winner: World’s Strongest Disabled Man
- 2023 – Competitor: Adaptive Highland Games (attended by King Charles)
- 2021 – Winner: Britain’s Strongest Disabled Man (third title)
- 2019 – First Guinness World Record for a strength-related disabled competition
