Jonty Warneken is a disabled ice swimmer, 4x Guinness World Record Holder and has represented Team GB in the sport where he continues to push his body to the limits. At the age of just 22 years old, Jonty was in a horrific accident which resulted in his left leg below the knee having to be amputated. A truly unique and motivating speaker, Jonty shares his expertise in overcoming adversity, ice swimming, and finance.
Jonty graduated from the University of Hull with a BA in Psychology with Sociology and Anthropology and had aspirations to become a military pilot and play rugby union for his country. His dreams would come to a grinding halt as he suffered a car accident, which resulted in him losing his left leg and needing his skull rebuilt. Jonty did not let this tragedy stop him from pursuing his dreams on a different path, and he started his career as a Financial Consultant for Prudential Assurance before then working as a Manager for Deloitte & Touche Private Clients. Other notable positions Jonty has held include Head of Northern Region-Wealth Management with Sanlam Private Wealth, Director of Da Ponte, and Senior Investment Director and Head of the North with Broks Macdonald. Since 2023, he has served as Head of Harrogate with Atomos Wealth, becoming a Non-Executive Chairman of E-Marketing in 2024.
Aside from his spectacular career in finance, Jonty was determined not to let his amputation prevent him from setting many ambitious personal goals. He is a 4x Guinness World Record holder, most recently achieveing the fastest circumnavigation swim around Jersey by a male swimmer in 2024 in just over 11 hours. He has also represented Team GB at two Ice Swimming World Championships. In recognition of his incredible feats, Jonty is the Vice President of the International Ice Swimming Association, as well as the Director and Treasurer of the World Open Water Swimming Association. He is the creator and a member of the first para 4x250m 'country' relay team at the Ice Swimming World Championships, and founded the Para V series of swims, where paralysed/disabled/adaptive swimmers complete 5x5km swims in five countries in five consecutive days. He was also part of the first-ever disabled team to swim the North Channel; was the first para swimmer to swim across the North Channel, and achieved the world record for the fastest swim across it in 2023. Jonty has made numerous appearances on television and radio, including BBC Morning News, BBC News Southwest, and BBC Radio York.
Aside from swimming, Jonty has competed in downhill skiing, Nordic skiing and triathlons, wanting to push his body to the limits, not letting his physical disability stop him from accomplishing amazing achievements. With his worldly experience, John is just as comfortable in front of a board of CEOs discussing business as he is discussing teamwork and overcoming adversity in front of a wide range of audiences. Jonty is an approachable expert on finance and motivation who has overcome adversity and inspires all people, regardless of their gender, age or disability, to overcome their setbacks. Do not miss your chance to hear Jonty Warneken today.
Jonty's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Getting Over Adversity & How to Achieve After Setbacks
- “Take One Step” Rules of Life & How to Apply Them at Work & Play
- “Team Building: How to Build a Coherent Team in the Office or Remotely”
- Finance, Wealth & Investment Management
- How to Swim in a Channel
- Ice Swimming, Its History & How a Sport Was Created Out of Ice
- Disability Issues in Accessing Blue Space
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“Jonty spoke at our annual festive lunch, sharing the gripping story of his accident and loss of a leg at 21, followed by his recovery and return to competitive sports, in particular his passion for ice swimming and the role he plays in the governance and advocacy of its global body. It’s a tale of resilience and strength – physical and emotional – laced with humour and humility. Jonty took us rapidly through his life and career with some wonderful photos and videos to illustrate the challenges he has overcome. He had prepared excellently to blend his narrative with our company’s themes and values, stressing the need for trust and communication within teams to achieve clear goals. Jonty took a wide range of questions from the audience, with no subject off limits. His courage and tenacity are a true inspiration. I wholeheartedly recommend Jonty as a motivational speaker for your event!” - Rupert, CEO, PER
“The feedback from students has been absolutely amazing! And you can’t underestimate the impact you are having on students who are meeting you and hearing your story for the first time.” - Rachel, St Marys Catholic High School
“Jonty very generously gave his time to come and speak at the Candlelighters Trust staff conference. Jonty was a pleasure to work with; listening to our requirements and putting together a talk that was honest, humbling, humorous and inspiring, and that gave the team some takeaways to take back into their roles. “Open the door or how else will you know what is on the other side?” has been an almost daily mantra for me personally. I would recommend speaking to Jonty if you are looking for someone to be open about their journey of overcoming obstacles, being resilient and achieving amazing things.” - Chris, Candlelighters Charity
“Jonty delivered an extremely interesting presentation which outlined his background and the work he does to raise funds in support of people with a range of disabilities. His presentation proved to be very engaging for my students and demonstrated how significant adversity can be overcome through hard work, resilience and determination. I would be happy to recommend a visit by Jonty to any group seeking to inspire or motivate an audience.” - Tim, Headmaster, Western Primary School
- 2025 - Guest on the BWD In The Know Podcast
- 2024 - Director & Treasurer, World Open Water Swimming Association
- 2024 - Non-Executive Chairman, E-Marketing
- 2023 - Head of Harrogate, Atomos Wealth
- 2024 - Guinness World Record, Fastest Circumnavigation Around Jersey By a Male Swimmer
- 2023 - Guinness World Record, Fastest Swim Crossing of the North Channel
- 2022 - Guinness World Record, Fastest Relay Swim Crossing of the North Channel
- 2019 - Senior Investment Director, Head of the North, Brooks Macdonald
- 2018 - Co-Chair, Ice Swimming Hall of Fame
- 2017 - Head of Northern Region Wealth Management for Sanlam Private Wealth
- 2016 - Vice President of the International Ice Swimming Association
- 2014 - Guinness World Record, Longest Distance Ice Swim by a Male Para Swimmer (2.11km)
- 2013 - Head of Harrogate & Teesside Offices, Sanlam UK
- 2011 - Director, Da Ponte
- 2006 - Partner Geni Capital LLP & Gryphon Capital LLP
- 2001 - Head of UK Customer Deposits
- 1999 - Investment Manager, BWD Rensburgs Investment Management
How to hire Jonty Warneken
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jonty Warneken 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.
