Resource Industry Network Chair Tony Caruso said with the saying “Doing a Bradbury” now an inclusion in the Australian slang dictionary, Bradbury’s Olympic feat back in 2002 resonated with the nation’s love of an underdog.

“At the gala awards night, members of Mackay’s mining services sector will hear a familiar rhetoric from Bradbury – one they have been hearing regularly during the past couple of years – and that is one of perseverance, diversification and adaptability,” he said.

“Pain, sacrifice, gruelling training schedules, and life threatening injuries were all part of his journey to success which now sees Bradbury operate a successful export business, engage in motivational speaking as well as writing a book ‘Last Man Standing’.”

Transitioning from an Olympic gold medallist speed skater to an expert motivator and entertainer has been an interesting ride during the last decade, according to Bradbury.

“I love the adrenalin before going onstage and love that my strategies for success in business and in life are able to inspire and help so many people. Passion, persistence and teamwork are what have gotten me to where I am today,” he said.

Caruso said those attending the awards will draw inspiration from his amazing story of passion and persistence. It’s a message that will resonate well with local resource services companies, he said.