Motivational | Sport

Mark Inglis

Mark Inglis, ONZM, is a motivational speaker, author, athlete, and mountaineer whose extraordinary life story embodies resilience and determination.


Born in Geraldine, New Zealand, on 27 September 1959, Inglis' early career as a professional mountaineer at Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park was dramatically altered in 1982. He and his climbing partner were trapped in a snow cave on Aoraki / Mount Cook for over 13 days, resulting in the amputation of both his legs due to severe frostbite​​.

Despite this life-changing event, Inglis pursued a degree in Human Biochemistry from Lincoln University, New Zealand, conducting significant research on leukaemia. His academic journey and resilience led him back to his passion for mountaineering, making history in 2006 as the first double amputee to summit Mount Everest​​​​​​. His achievements extend to the field of sports, where he has won a silver medal in cycling at the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney, and his involvement in Disabled Alpine Skiing and Disabled Road Cycling on an international level​​​​.

Inglis also made a name for himself in winemaking, working for Montana Wines and gaining expertise in this field, further illustrating his diverse skills and adaptability​​​​. He has written several books, including "No Mean Feat" and "Legs on Everest," and was honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to people with disabilities​​.

Currently, Inglis is heavily involved in charity work through the Limbs4All Charitable Trust, which he founded. This trust focuses on helping disabled individuals, particularly in developing countries like Cambodia and Nepal, providing essential resources like prosthetics and wheelchairs. His work with Limbs4All exemplifies his commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those with disabilities​​​​​​.

Inglis's speaking career began in 2003, and he has since spoken to over 200,000 people worldwide. He focuses on topics like embracing challenges, the power of attitude, and overcoming adversity. His work extends to consulting with top executives in India, emphasising the importance of attitude in business culture​​​​.

Inglis's story is not just about overcoming physical challenges but also about transcending boundaries in various fields - from sports to science, and philanthropy to motivational speaking. His life journey offers powerful insights into resilience, adaptability, and the indomitable human spirit, making him an ideal speaker for any event focused on inspiration, motivation, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.


Duration: 45 minutes. 15 minutes Q and A.

Essential Talent arranges a prep call with Mark Inglis prior to the event, and provides an industry standard agreement for peace of mind.