Danny Crates: "I Looked Down and One Arm Was on My Lap" – When It’s Not About Winning, But Being Your Best.

Stripping Off with Matt Haycox

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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

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Who Is Matt Haycox? - Click for BADASS Trailer
As an entrepreneur, investor, funding expert and mentor who has been building and growing businesses for both myself and my clients for more than 20 years, my fundamental principles are suitable for all industries and businesses of all stages and size.
I’m constantly involved in funding and advising multiple business ventures and successful entrepreneurs.
My goal is to help YOU achieve YOUR financial success! I know how to spot and nurture great business opportunities and as someone who has ‘been there and got the t-shirt’ many times, overall strategies and advice are honest, tangible and grounded in reality.

Chapter

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. The Accident (00:00:11)

3. Hospital (00:06:40)

4. Friendly Jokes in the Hospital (00:11:06)

5. Your Life and Future After the Accident - Would You Change Anything? (00:14:57)

6. Scuba Diving Before and After the Accident (00:21:07)

7. Specialist Sports Centres and Coaches (00:25:10)

8. Playing Rugby with One Arm (00:28:32)

9. World Championships 1998-2000 (00:32:37)

10. Certain Disabilities for Paralympics? (00:34:42)

11. Bronze at Sydney (00:36:43)

12. Olympics and Paralympics Time Differences (00:39:34)

13. Delivering Keynote Speeches as a Side hustle Job (00:41:04)

14. Funding Reviews After Events (00:43:49)

15. 400m vs 800m (00:45:47)

16. From Sydney to Athens (00:48:53)

17. Focus During Running (00:56:29)

18. Beijing World Title in 2006 (00:59:46)

19. Last Races Before Retirement in 2009 (01:07:53)

20. Going into Broadcasting After Athletics (01:13:37)

21. Transferable Skills in Sports (01:19:39)

22. 5 Pillars of Performance (01:23:23)

23. Danny's Typical Business Clients (01:24:46)

24. Common Barriers Holding Clients Back (01:26:46)

25. Future Projects (01:28:26)

26. Conclusion (01:32:09)