James Pittar
When 10-year-old James Pittar started having trouble seeing at night he could never have predicted that within a decade, his vision would be all but gone. For a kid that dreamed of representing his country, it was a hard blow. And for most people, it would have spelled the end of that dream but not for James...
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James Pittar at the age of 13 developed an eye disease known as Retinitis Pigmentosa and by his late 20’s he was totally blind.
Just a few months shy of his thirtieth birthday, James did what no blind person has ever done before – he swam the English Channel. It signalled a shift in his mindset – from that point onwards, he would never think of himself as the underdog. He would learn that disability is only a barrier if you let it be.
James is incredibly generous in sharing his experiences and emotions, and it’s hard not to be drawn in as he takes us on a personal journey through his childhood, the loss of vision in his teens, the decision not to let it define him, and his continual dedication to growth and self-improvement throughout his life.
Some of Jame’s sporting achievements include:
First blind person to swim the English channel 1998
First Australian to complete the Triple Crown of Open water swimming being:
The English Channel
Manhatton Island marathon swim and
Catalina Channel USA.
He was involved in a relay swim across the entire length of the Bering Straits from Russia to the USA in 2013 and with this relay swim was placed into the Guiness Book of Records in 2020.
James is the Ambassador of the Rainbow Club which provides 1 on1 swimming tuition to disabled children.
He has via his swims raised over $130,000 for The Fred Hollows Foundation and received the 2013 Fred’s Helping Hand award for my volunteering efforts.
He has also been inducted into the:
International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2010
The Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2020.
In 2019 James self published his Autobiography “Blind Vision” in a paperback format an In 2024 the same Book title was published into an Audio book format.
James is an Australian Day Ambassador from 1999 to the present day and including 2026 Australia Day .
Talks that move a room to act
Each keynote is tailored to your audience, theme and outcomes.
KEYNOTE 01: MAYBE FOR MOST PEOPLE SEEING IS WHAT YOU BELIEVE BUT FOR ME BELIEVING IS SEEING
- Overcoming adversity
- Goal Achievements
- Resilience
- Taking your opportunities no matter whether you have abilities or disabilities
Inspiring reads by James Pittar
Explore publications and books authored by James Pittar.
Featured Book by James Pittar
Blind Vision is a fascinating account of a unique and inspiring career in open-water swimming. But more than that, it is a story for anyone that’s ever been told they can't. James Pittar is living proof that no matter what the odds, with dedication, passion, and the right people around you, you can.
What your audience walks away with
Belief
Living proof that more is possible, no matter the starting point.
Resilience
Practical strength they can use the moment they leave the room.
Permission
To talk openly about mental health and support one another.
Momentum
The motivation to act, reinvent and perform at a higher level.
What organisers say
"James provided an excellent Ambassador address at our 2025 Australia Day ceremony in Henty. His address was extremely well received within the community as it was entertaining, informative and very well presented. Outside of the ceremony, James was easy to welcome into the community as he was happy to socialise and talked with locals and visitors alike. James made a great impression on the community, and we would love to welcome James back to Greater Hume as an Australia Day Ambassador."
"In September 2024, under the theme Second Chances, James Pittar stepped onto The Story Room stage and quietly commanded the attention of everyone in the room. Losing his sight in his teens could have ended his athletic dreams, but James refused to be defined by his blindness. Instead, he searched for a new path and found it in the open ocean. A true quiet achiever, James shared his remarkable journey with grace and humility. His story of swimming, yes, swimming the Bering Strait in an international relay from Russia to Alaska was nothing short of extraordinary. It wasn’t just a tale of endurance; it was a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and quiet determination can open unexpected doors. James’s presence on stage was magnetic. His story moved us, inspired us, and left us in awe. It was more than a story, it was a masterclass in courage and what it truly means to take a second chance and swim with it."
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