Meet Damien Thomlinson
Ex-Commando, Motivational Speaker, Brand Ambassador, Best-Selling Author, Actor
The story of Damien Thomlinson, an Australian veteran of the war in Afghanistan, is one that continues to evolve and inspire people around the world.
It was while serving in Afghanistan with the 2nd Commando Regiment that Thomlinson’s life was changed forever. In April 2009, whilst on night patrol in Southern Afghanistan, Damien’s unit drove over an improvised Taliban bomb. Damien suffered horrendous injuries in the explosion, which resulted in both of his legs being amputated. The damage to his body was so severe his medical team claim it is a miracle he wasn’t killed, and there were many times throughout his immediate treatment and beyond that medical staff did not think he would pull through.
Most people could not imagine recovering and moving on from something as debilitating as the loss of two limbs – but Damien isn’t most people, and giving up is not in his nature. Instead of sinking into depression and retreating from the world, Thomlinson decided to treat the loss of his legs as another challenge to be overcome, a challenge that would forever change his life.
Today, Damien uses his experiences, passion for life and journey to inspire and motivate. He is one Australia's most successful motivational speakers, has a best-selling autobiography, commits his time to a range of causes important to him, and was part of the ensemble cast of the Academy Award winning movie Hacksaw Ridge .
His triumph against adversity, positive attitude and ambition for the future continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. Above all, Damien’s incredible journey stands as proof that no challenge is too great and that the ANZAC spirit truly is alive and well. Read more about his life here.