Keynote (45–60 min)
But his dream, along with the rest of his life, was completely shattered in 2007, when during a local race in South Africa he was hit by another biker and amongst other serious injuries he broke his back, crushing his spinal cord leaving him completely paralyzed from just below his chest.
The prognosis was he would never walk or feel his legs again.
Joey suddenly facing a daily struggle of keeping it together both physically and mentally made a decision, that he would not only still live a full life, but he would still chase his dream of racing the Dakar Rally.
The finish line of that race became the symbol of him beating his injury.
Joey Evans is a South African endurance athlete, author, and motivational speaker whose story redefines resilience and hope. In 2007, while competing in an off-road race, he suffered a life-altering accident that left him a paraplegic. Doctors told him he would never walk again. Refusing to surrender his dreams, Joey spent years in recovery, retraining his body and mind to push beyond the limits of injury.
Through unwavering determination, he not only regained the ability to walk but went on to accomplish extraordinary feats—including completing the grueling Dakar Rally, one of the toughest motorsport events in the world. His memoir From Para to Dakar chronicles this incredible journey, inspiring readers with his courage, humility, and unshakable spirit.
As a speaker, Joey delivers raw, heartfelt keynotes that motivate audiences to rethink obstacles, adopt a never-quit mindset, and pursue goals no matter how daunting. His blend of humor, honesty, and lived wisdom resonates with corporate teams, leadership groups, and global conference audiences. Joey reminds us that adversity can become the springboard to the greatest victories.
Joey Evans is a remarkable motivational speaker from South Africa, whose journey is not just about overcoming obstacles but transforming them into adventures. His speeches aren’t mere talks; they are profound experiences that draw from his incredible life story, one marked by resilience, adventure, and an unyielding spirit. With Joey, audiences embark on a narrative journey that goes beyond conventional motivational speaking, making him a standout personality in the world of public speaking.
Joey Evans’s life is a testament to his expertise in resilience and adventure. He has navigated through life-threatening challenges, turning each setback into a step forward towards achieving his dreams. His most notable adventure, participating in the Dakar Rally, one of the most demanding motorsport events in the world, is a highlight of his speaking engagements. After suffering a near-fatal accident that could have left him paralyzed, Joey not only fought his way back to health but also set an audacious goal to complete the Dakar Rally. Joey Evans journey to the rally was fraught with physical, financial, and emotional hurdles, each of which he overcame with steadfast determination.
The Dakar Rally, known for its grueling conditions and extreme challenges, was a fitting metaphor for Joey’s own life battles. Completing the race was not just a personal triumph but a powerful narrative that he shares with his audience, illustrating the sheer power of human spirit and endurance. Joey Evans’s ability to engage with his audience comes from these real-life experiences, whether racing across continents or battling back from the brink of paralysis. This authenticity makes him a sought-after speaker at events, where his stories resonate deeply with people from all walks of life.
Joey’s influence at events is palpable. He brings a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and profound insights into human endurance. His speaking career began after he miraculously recovered from an accident that nearly left him permanently paralyzed. Since then, he has spoken at numerous corporate events, leadership conferences, and public seminars, always leaving his audience inspired and motivated. His insights into overcoming adversity and embracing life’s unpredictability make him an invaluable asset at any event.
Moreover, Joey’s real-world experiences provide practical lessons that are applicable in personal and professional contexts. His talks go beyond motivational platitudes, offering actionable insights on navigating life’s challenges with courage and determination. This makes him particularly valuable for events focused on leadership, team-building, and personal development.
Joey Evans is more than a motivational speaker; he is a beacon of adventure and resilience. His stories are not just told; they are experienced, crafted from a life lived on the edge and spoken with authenticity and passion.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and view our International site
Sometimes in your life, when things go wrong, it is just chapter one of a really cool story. The ending is entirely up to you.
There is a lot more to his story than just racing motorbikes. He’s such a people person, such a friendly person. He’s the most positive and outgoing person that I know. The story is a tribute to the man himself and all who helped him achieve his dream. Allow me to introduce Joey Evans.
Joey loved the challenge of off-road racing and started moving up the ranks. But a decade ago, during an event in Heidelberg, his life changed in a split second. Joey broke his back, with his T8 and T9 vertebrae crushed and his spinal cord damaged. He was paralyzed from the chest down. It seemed his motorsport days were over, and every day became a struggle not only physically but mentally.
In that hospital, I made a decision. It’s really the only decision you get to make in a place like that. You either check out, or you live. I chose to live. Each day I got up, moved forward a little more, and kept going. Along with that, I thought about my goal: to race the Dakar Rally one day. When I do that race, that’ll be me beating this injury.
The Dakar Rally is about more than racing. It’s about the spirit of the event, the human endeavor, and doing something seemingly unachievable. And so, on January 2nd, 2017, I stood on the start line in Asunción, Paraguay.
With little sleep, I endured up to 22 hours on the bike, day after day. On stage 11, disaster struck when my bike was run over by a car. Once again, it felt so difficult, so unfair. But as I like to say: you didn’t come this far to only come this far.
Through what I believe was divine intervention, I came across another bike. It was insane, but it showed me—you don’t quit, ever. I rode that bike through the night until 2am, then another 750 kilometers the next day to cross the finish line in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But the true finish was coming home.
So when it is dark, and you feel alone, and you feel like quitting, I want to encourage you to twist that throttle and ride right through the night. Because it’s when you ride through the night that you earn those air miles.
0:01 sometimes in your lives when things go
0:04 wrong
0:06 it is just chapter one
0:09 of a really cool story
0:11 and the ending
0:13 is entirely up to you
“You didn’t come this far to only come this far. But I had to try. Even if it was just a ten percent chance—or a one percent chance—I had to try.”
From a very young age, two wheels were the ultimate expression of freedom for Joey. But in 2007, at the age of 32, an almost fatal accident on the track changed his life forever.
He was left paralyzed from the chest down, and with all the odds stacked against him, Joey set out to achieve what many said was impossible: to race the Dakar Rally.
The journey to the Dakar start line was already an incredible achievement in itself. Yet riding 9,000 kilometers across South America would test Joey’s resolve and determination beyond anything he could have imagined—culminating in a catastrophic twist in the final chapter that no one could have scripted.
His presentation leaves audiences with a new perspective on their own challenges and a renewed drive to chase their goals and dreams. Joey’s story is living proof of his mantra: don’t quit.
0:16 take their 10% chance or 1% chance and
0:19 just just try from a very young age two
0:22 wheels were the ultimate expression of
0:24 freedom for Joey but in 2007 at the age
0:27 of 32 an almost fatal accident on the
0:30 track would change Joey’s life
This PowerPoint slide above is designed for meeting planners.
Register for FREE and simply click the URL link for automatic download of the PPTX slide.
We have created a simple “ABOUT” single slide which you can instantly insert into your pitch deck when submitting speaker proposals.
Features:
A1. No it’s about resilience that applies to leadership, personal growth, and business.
A2. Absolutely he adapts his message to align with organizational goals.
A3. Yes his story resonates with anyone overcoming adversity, not just athletes.
In the ever-evolving world of live entertainment, few acts manage to capture energy, charm, and musical excellence the way Me and Mr Green does. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, this high-impact live band is the brainchild of acclaimed frontman Dan Green, whose legendary performances with Me and Mr Brown made him a household name […]
Andy Klee tenacity and talent has seen her go to international heights. She has entertained in the hottest nightclubs in some of the fastest growing cities in the world, alongside British and Australian bands, namely Hong Kong and Dubai. Andy has shared the stage with and opened performances for with great international bands including ‘The […]
Lerato Mbele joined the BBC in 2012. Prior to that, Lerato served as a Senior Business Anchor for CNBC Africa. She hosted a variety of business programs and discussions related to the economics, business strategy, stock markets, entrepreneurship and leadership. Lerato Mbele began her journalism career in 1999 at South Africa’s state-owned broadcaster The South […]
Sthembiso Phakathi is a distinguished advisor and keynote speaker specializing in organizational transformation. With over two decades of expertise, he has successfully guided organizations through the complexities of business performance, strategic leadership, and transformative growth. Recognized for his ability to inspire and equip leaders with actionable strategies, Sthembiso’s insights resonate deeply in today’s dynamic corporate […]
Barry Hilton is one of South Africa’s most beloved comedians, celebrated for his sharp wit, relatable humor, and impeccable comedic timing. With a career spanning over four decades, Barry has entertained audiences across the globe, bringing laughter to corporate events, theaters, and comedy festivals. His clean yet hilarious humor makes him a favorite among diverse […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
