At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Hooker became the first Australian field athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in 60 years. It was also the first time an Australian had won gold at the Olympics in pole vaulting.  

In dramatic circumstances, Hooker twice cleared clutch jumps on his third attempt in the final, before clinching the gold medal with yet another third-attempt clearance at 5.90m. With the gold medal secure, he went on to break the Olympic record with another third and final heart-stopping attempt at 5.96m. 

Hooker continued his phenomenal run in 2009 by claiming gold in the men’s pole vault at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin. That win was even more significant considering Hooker had courageously battled injury right up until he leapt for gold, after tearing his thigh muscle in training 12 days prior to the final. 

It was the same year that saw the world champion record his biggest-ever jump in a competition in Boston, clearing 6.06m. In 2010, Hooker continued his dominance of the sport with victory in the three major meets of the season – the World Indoor Championships, IAAF Continental Cup, and the Commonwealth Games.  

In 2012, the Australian qualified for his third Olympic Games – a magnificent achievement given Hooker had battled injuries and confidence issues through the preceding seasons. While he couldn’t repeat his Beijing heroics, there was a good deal of personal satisfaction in the result for the tough road he had travelled to get there. 

Hooker’s story is truly inspiring. It’s a tale of achieving the ultimate goal. Of being number one in his domain – just as BIG4 is in its field – but with a need to reinvent himself to maintain his dominance at the top. 

It’s a story of overcoming challenges, accepting failures, and of stubborn persistence to remain at the peak of his game. Hooker’s star has continued to rise since his retirement from competitive sport. 

He is the founding director of athletics management firm, Aurum Sports Group, and he is the CEO of Resimax Group in Melbourne. He is also a brilliant speaker: confident in delivery with a humorous edge that captivates audiences.   We’re thrilled to have secured his services for this year’s conference.