Turia Pitt

Turia Pitt is one of the most sought-after professional speakers in Australia due to her ability to inspire and motivate people to achieve their goals despite challenges. The former model and fitness enthusiast suffered the worst burns doctors had ever seen after being entrapped in a grassfire whilst running an ultra-marathon. Turia shares her story of fighting for survival after being in a two-month coma, and surviving against overwhelming odds.

In 2011, Turia competed in a 100-kilometre ultra-marathon in the Australian outback at the age of 24, where she encountered an out-of-control grassfire. Becoming entrapped by the flames, Turia’s life was changed forever as she suffered burns to 65% of her body. Barely alive, she was taken out of the remote desert by a helicopter, and ended up losing 7 fingers, having over 200 medical procedures, and spending 2 years in recovery. She had been working at the Argyle Diamond Mine as a mining engineer and science graduate at the time, and was in her dream role in a successful career.

Turia has become famously known as one of Australia’s most inspirational and courageous people, recognised for her brave efforts in rebuilding her life after tragedy. She went on to complete her first Ironman triathlon in 13 hours and 25 minutes, in Port Macquarie. She also swam in a 20km race, riding her bike from Sydney to Uluru, and walked the Great Wall of China. Turia’s ability to stay positive and motivated with her passion for fitness, on top of her intense rehabilitation timetable, is truly inspiring.

Turia has been heavily involved in humanitarian work. She headed to PNG to walk the Kokoda Track after only three weeks of recovery, as part of her role as an ambassador for ‘Interplast’, a charity which she has raised over $200,000 for, that provides free reconstructive surgery to people in the Asia-Pacific.

Turia is studying for her Master's degree, and now travels around Australia presenting motivational speeches with the aim of providing people with hope and happiness. She has written three best-selling books, the most recent one, ‘Happy (and Other Ridiculous Aspirations)’, explores how different people find happiness within their lives. She has also coached 40,000 people in her digital courses, shared a stage with Tony Robbins, and grown a team and business she is truly proud of. 

Turia has achieved numerous feats in her life, including being named the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year and being a finalist for Young Australian of the Year. She was also featured on the cover of the Australian Women’s Weekly, and is a judge for the Australian Woman of the Future Fund. Turia's program 'School of Champions', and her inspirational story about overcoming adversity has helped over 6000 people overcome their own barriers and achieve goals in various aspects of life. She spreads the importance of  never giving up and remaining motivated to do what you love, with a story so powerful and captivating, that it often receives standing ovations.