Petria Thomas - Hire Keynote and Guest Speaker

Petria Thomas

One of Australia's most successful female swimmers

Petria Thomas OAM is an Australian sporting icon who has provided joy and inspiration for many Australians through her sporting success, resilience and determination.

She is triple Olympic Gold Medallist and winner of 15 National titles. She became the first female swimmer to ever win the same event at three consecutive Commonwealth Games – the 100m butterfly. She has claimed 8 Olympic Medals, 12 Commonwealth Games Medals and 16 World Championship Medals.

Following retirement from swimming after winning 3 three gold (including individual gold in the 100m Butterfly) and a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Petria became Australian Team Leader at three Commonwealth Youth Games and was on the Australian team headquarters staff at four Commonwealth Games, including being the Deputy Chef de Mission for the Australian Team at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. In 2019, Petria was appointed as the first female Chef de Mission for an Australian Commonwealth Games team and will lead the team into competition at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Petria has been awarded an OAM for her services to sport. In 2005 she released her autobiography ‘Swimming against the tide’.

Since retiring from the pool Petria has been busy developing an impressive resume and gaining experience across all facets of sport. She has worked in a variety of administration and management roles at organisations including the Australian Sports Commission, Swimming Australia, Gymnastics Australia and now holds the position of Assistant Director of Engagement at Sport Integrity Australia.

Petria Thomas Book as a speaker/entertainer for your next event

Key Points for Petria Thomas

Petria Thomas has become one of Australia's most successful female swimmers. Her three gold medals and one silver medals at the Athens Olympic Games has brought her Olympic medal count to 8.
Only the great Dawn Fraser and Susie O'Neill have equaled that number. After United States swimmer Michael Phelps, Petria was the most successful athlete at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Petria has a remarkable story. Three times she came back from major surgery to get back to the top. In incredible story of courage, persistance and determination.
She is triple Olympic Gold Medallist and winner of 15 National titles. She became the first female swimmer to ever win the same event at three consecutive Commonwealth Games – the 100m butterfly. She has claimed 8 Olympic Medals, 12 Commonwealth Games Medals and 16 World Championship Medals.
She was Australian swim team captain from 2001-2004, was three times crowned AIS Athlete of the Year (2001, 2002 and 2004), won the 2004 ‘The Don’ Award for the performance that most inspired the nation, and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2007. She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2010.
Since retiring from the pool Petria has worked for the Australian Sports Commission, Swimming Australia, Gymnastics Australia and now holds the position of Assistant Director of Engagement at Sport Integrity Australia.

Topics for Petria Thomas

World of sport
Swimming
Olympic Games

Testimonials for Petria Thomas

“I received an enormous amount of positive feedback from the delegates regarding Petria. The obvious and overwhelming feeling was that she was down to earth, spoke from the heart and appears to remain unaffected in any negative way regarding her success. The way she freely mixed with the delegates and happily signed autographs, poised for photos and let people hold her medals was excellent.”
Linde

“A real Australian hero and champion. Our staff, management and consultants loved her. A surprisingly good speaker who spoke with passion and from the heart. An inspirational story of overcoming many obstacles. She mixed with everyone, handed around her medals and created a real buzz.”
ANZ

“Very inspirational story - tied in well with our theme of Endless Spirit. A great down-to-earth Australian champion!”
Goldwell

“Very Good. Petria's presentation was very inspiring and was certainly indicative to our Conference Theme of "Endless Spirit". She is a very down to earth lady and a pleasure to deal with.”
NT Department of Sport & Recreation