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Paralympic gold medalist and motivational speaker Danielle Campo is taking her competitive skills to the stage — using her voice rather than her swimming abilities in a bid to place first.
Campo will take part in Speaker Slam’s Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals on Nov. 9 at the CBC Glen Gould studio in Toronto, facing off against 13 other competitors from across Canada and the U.S.
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Earlier this year, Campo earned first place in the perseverance-themed competition with a speech titled Pray Now We’re Losing Her!
This year’s Grand Slam theme is Brave, challenging speakers to share stories of courage and resilience.
Campo, a Windsor native, is known for her resilience, both in and out of the pool, will share her powerful journey of overcoming adversity, aiming to inspire others to live courageously.
After being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at two years of age, which was later correctly diagnosed as spinal muscular atrophy — a neuromuscular disorder, Campo discovered swimming as a form of therapy.
“That was the last time anybody would tell me what my body couldn’t do,” Campo said in a news release. “They may have ideas, but then I would show them.”
Her determination led to multiple gold medals and world records at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.
And that competitive spirit continues to flourish.
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“Competing in Speaker Slam fills me with an incredible adrenaline rush,” Campo said. “I love the connection between the speakers as we share our stories and lift each other up.
“Preparing for a Speaker Slam is much like preparing for the Paralympics — it takes courage, grit, and a relentless drive to push through challenges.
“I want to inspire others to define and achieve their gold medal moments.”
Speaker Slam co-founder Dan Shaikh expressed admiration for Campo.
“Danielle’s ability to transform personal adversity into a compelling message of courage truly embodies our ‘Brave’ theme,” Shaikh said.
Campo faced life-threatening complications following the birth of her daughter in 2021.
“Her stories of resilience and her ‘try me’ attitude inspire everyone who hears her speak,” Shaikh added. We are thrilled to have her bring her powerful voice to the Grand Slam stage.”
The Speaker Slam’s Grand Slam will feature the top 14 speakers from the 2024 season, competing for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year, a $5,000 cash prize and a prize package worth up to $50,000.
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