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This one’s huge. We’ve got Danny Crates on the pod – Paralympic gold medalist, world champion, and an all-around legend who’s turned his life story into a masterclass on resilience and determination. If you need inspiration, this episode is for you.

Danny breaks down the moment everything changed – a freak accident that cost him his arm. Instead of letting that be the end, it became the start of something bigger. From hospital days full of humor to stepping onto the rugby field with one arm, Danny’s story is all about thriving through adversity. He even takes us through training for the Paralympics, going from bronze in Sydney to gold in Athens. This guy doesn’t just compete – he dominates, and his mindset is something we can all learn from. 

But it’s not just about medals. Danny opens up about life after sport – transitioning into broadcasting, becoming a top keynote speaker, and applying his “5 Pillars of Performance” to business and everyday life. He’s got this amazing ability to connect elite athletics to high performance in any field. 

We also dive into the mental side – what separates good athletes from great ones and the mental barriers that hold people back. Whether you’re an athlete, business owner, or just looking to level up, Danny’s story will light a fire under you.

Hit play and get ready to feel fired up. You don’t want to miss this one.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:11 - The Accident
6:40 - Hospital
11:06 - Friendly Jokes in the Hospital
14:57 - Your Life and Future After the Accident - Would You Change Anything?
21:07 - Scuba Diving Before and After the Accident
25:10 - Specialist Sports Centres and Coaches
28:32 - Playing Rugby with One Arm
32:37 - World Championships 1998-2000
34:42 - Certain Disabilities for Paralympics?
36:43 - Bronze at Sydney
39:34 - Olympics and Paralympics Time Differences
41:04 - Delivering Keynote Speeches as a Side hustle Job
43:49 - Funding Reviews After Events
45:47 - 400m vs 800m
48:53 - From Sydney to Athens
56:29 - Focus During Running
59:46 - Beijing World Title in 2006
01:07:53 - Last Races Before Retirement in 2009
01:13:37 - Going into Broadcasting After Athletics
01:19:39 - Transferable Skills in Sports
01:23:23 - 5 Pillars of Performance
01:24:46 - Danny's Typical Business Clients
01:26:46 - Common Barriers Holding Clients Back
01:28:26 - Future Projects
01:32:09 - Conclusion

Welcome to Stripping Off with Matt Haycox
This isn’t your average business podcast. It’s where real entrepreneurs, celebs, and industry leaders strip back the polished PR, and get brutally honest about the journeys that made them.

Hosted by entrepreneur and investor Matt Haycox, Stripping Off dives into the raw, unfiltered realities behind success: the wins, the fuck-ups, the breakthroughs, and everything in between. No scripts. No sugar-coating. Just real talk from people who’ve lived it.

Whether you’re hustling to scale your business or just love a behind-the-scenes look at how people really make it, this podcast is your front-row seat to the truth behind the triumphs.

Who Is Matt Haycox? - Click for BADASS Trailer