World Para Surfing Champion, bestselling author; Australia

Samantha Bloom is a four-time World Para Surfing Champion, bestselling author, and the inspiration behind the critically acclaimed film Penguin Bloom, starring Naomi Watts. The movie, based on the international bestselling book Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family, recounts Sam’s extraordinary journey of resilience and recovery. Paralyzed in an accident in Thailand in 2013, Sam’s determination has led her to win multiple Oceania paracanoe championships and achieve global recognition in adaptive surfing.

Beyond her athletic accolades, Sam is a passionate advocate for spinal cord injury awareness, working with global charities and serving as an ambassador for Wings For Life. She is also an adventure traveler, a Tourism Australia ambassador, a former neurology nurse, and a devoted mother of three boys. Sam’s incredible story of strength, passion, and perseverance continues to inspire audiences worldwide.