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Sam Bloom
Four-time World Para Surfing champion and inspiration behind Penguin Bloom
Overview
Sam Bloom is a global keynote speaker, four-time World Para Surfing champion and the inspiration behind the bestselling book and Netflix hit Penguin Bloom. Her story — a near-fatal fall in Thailand, the slow journey back from paralysis and depression, and the unlikely friendship with a baby magpie that helped save her — is one of the most powerful keynotes audiences will ever experience.
Who is Sam Bloom? In 2013, on holiday in Thailand with her husband Cameron and their three young sons, Sam leant on a rotten balcony railing and fell six metres onto the concrete below. The accident shattered her spine, ruptured her lungs and left her paralysed from the chest down. After seven months of rehabilitation she fell into a deep depression — until her son brought home an injured magpie chick the boys named Penguin. The bond between Sam and Penguin became the heart of the Penguin Bloom book and Netflix film starring Naomi Watts.
Career Highlights • Four-time World Para Surfing Champion • Member of the Australian Adaptive Surf Team since 2018 • Bestselling co-author of Penguin Bloom and Sam Bloom: Heartache & Birdsong • Inspiration behind the Netflix hit Penguin Bloom starring Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln • Former member of Australia's para-canoeing team • Advocate and fundraiser for spinal cord injury charities worldwide
Key Speaking Themes • Resilience and the journey back from adversity • Mental wellness, depression and asking for help • Family, healing and finding new purpose • Living in the present and goal setting • Disability, representation and what's possible
What Your Audience Will Gain Sam is honest, brave and never sugar-coats her story. Audiences leave deeply moved, with renewed perspective on what really matters and tangible reminders to live in the present — paired with stunning still photography and video by her husband Cameron.
Ideal For • Diversity, equity and inclusion events • Wellbeing and mental health conferences • Leadership and resilience summits • Health and disability industry forums • Awards nights and gala dinners
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does Sam Bloom speak about? Resilience, mental wellness, family, healing and overcoming adversity, told through her own story of paralysis and recovery.
What happened to Sam Bloom? In 2013, while on holiday in Thailand, Sam fell six metres from a rotten balcony railing and suffered a spinal cord injury that left her paralysed from the chest down.
Who is Penguin? The injured baby magpie Sam's son Noah found and the family raised. Penguin became Sam's constant companion through her darkest period before being released back to the wild.
What sporting achievements has Sam Bloom had? Four-time World Para Surfing Champion and a former member of Australia's para-canoeing team.
What books and films feature Sam Bloom's story? The international bestseller Penguin Bloom by Bradley Trevor Greive and Cameron Bloom, the memoir Sam Bloom: Heartache & Birdsong, and the Netflix film Penguin Bloom starring Naomi Watts.
Is Sam Bloom available for keynotes in New Zealand? Yes. Sam is a global keynote speaker who travels for conferences, leadership events and awards nights across NZ and Australia.