Darren Hardy | Background
Darren joined the British Army in 2003 and worked his way through the ranks. His talent was recognised and he was selected for promotion onto the prestigious Officer training course at Sandhurst. He graduated in the top third of his cohort and received the Queen’s Commission to become a Captain at the early age of twenty nine.
Darren spent 15 years in the British Army from 2003 to 2017, serving first in his home country of Northern Ireland and then multiple tours in Iraq, with many exercises overseas, from Poland to Canada.
After repeated shoulder injuries that resulted in a shoulder replacement and suffering with PTSD, Darren was abruptly discharged from the Forces, what would be a huge blow for the successful Captain.
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Darren Hardy | Warrior Games
The Warrior Games is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured or ill service personnel and veterans organized by the United States Department of Defense.
In 2013, a team of UK wounded veterans took part in the Warrior Games for the first time in which Darren competed. He won gold-medals in the 100m and 200m sprint, setting records that are still unbeaten today.
In attendance at the 2013 Warrior Games was Prince Harry who was inspired at how the power of sport could help wounded servicemen. The inspiration saw the creation of the Invictus Games, which began the following year.
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Darren Hardy | Athletic Accomplishments
Darren has an eye-watering list of accomplishments, including:
- World’s Highest Duathlon at 12,000ft (a 10km run, 150km cycle, then a 30km run)
- The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra
- Running the perimeter of the Isle of Wight (113km)
- Covering an excessive distance of 2983km in 11 months of events (minus training kms)
- Ran five marathons back-to-back.
- Completed 6.8 Iron Man competitions in a row
- Pulling a 1.5 tonne car 37km in 24 hours
- Cycling 779km from Fort William to Badbury
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Darren Hardy | Dealing with Failure
According to Darren, there is no such thing as failure; it is merely a stepping stone to success. This crucial part of Darren’s mindset is something that enables him to fearlessly move forward, decide on new challenges and push himself to the limits, without the fear of failure or ‘what ifs’.
In 2021 he attempted the 10x10x10 challenge: 10 ironman triathlons in 10 days in 10 different locations. Darren managed to complete the equivalent of 6.8 ironman triathlons but hypothermia, weight loss and pain prevented him from achieving the distance he had aimed for.
Darren aims to inspire others who are currently struggling to show them that something can be done if they are willing to pick themselves up. He is hopeful that if people can see an ex-rugby playing war veteran stand up and discuss mental health, others will be encouraged to do so too.
He has said that pushing himself physically helps his mental wellbeing, so he wants to motivate others to do the same so they can feel the benefits for themselves. Darren feels that if he can help just one person, then he has achieved a small goal.
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Darren Hardy | Fortitude Front
In 2019 Darren founded Fortitude Front, a business providing solutions on mental health issues that impact the workplace and affect business performance. Providing talks, seminars and coaching, Darren empowers others to accept their adversity.
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Darren Hardy | Speaking Topics
Darren is an inspiring speaker who not only shares his remarkable story and journey from suicidal to successful athlete but he also shares practical skills needed for mindset mastery.
- Leadership
- Resilience and Wellbeing
- Adventure & Sports
- Motivational
- Inspirational
- Military
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To check fees and availability for British Army veteran and athlete Darren Hardy, contact Great Business Speakers on 0044 (0)1753 439289
