BOLD STEPS 2026 SPEAKERS (alphabetical order)
Jelena Dokic
The former world no. 4 tennis player, Jelena Dokic is a living testament to resilience, triumph, and the unyielding spirit of a true champion. Her journey on the court has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, marked by monumental victories and a fearless determination that defies all odds.
At a mere 16 years old, Jelena etched her name in tennis history by orchestrating one of the sport's most astounding upsets, dethroning the formidable Martina Hingis, the world number 1, at Wimbledon. This iconic victory propelled her to the tournament's quarter-finals, a precursor to her consecutive semi-final appearances the following year at just 17, a testament to her precocious talent and steely resolve.
However, beyond the world of grand slams and stadium lights lies a narrative of unparalleled courage and perseverance. A two-time refugee, Jelena bore the weight of adversity early in life, navigating a path fraught with bullying and racism. Yet, her most daunting battle unfolded within the confines of her own home, a harrowing ordeal of abuse endured at the hands of her father for over 15 agonising years, starting at the tender age of 6.
The scars of this traumatic past manifested in the shadows of her success, casting a long, silent shadow on her mental health. It led her to the brink, where the darkness threatened to engulf her entirely. At 22, she stood at the precipice, grappling with the crushing weight of her experiences, contemplating a life teetering on the edge. Yet, it was this very darkness that ignited a resilient flame within her, a resolve to not only survive but to transcend and thrive.
Jelena emerged as a beacon of hope, bravely sharing her story through the pages of two bestselling books, Unbreakable and Fearless. These powerful narratives unmask the raw realities of her childhood abuse, the labyrinth of mental health struggles, diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and the profound journey of reclaiming one’s voice and strength, unshackling from the chains of the past. Her words echo as a testament to the immense power of sharing our stories and finding the resilience within to soar beyond limitations.
In 2024, Jelena’s story captivated audiences once again through the critically acclaimed documentary Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. The film became a number one hit and, in 2025, was named Feature Documentary Production of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards, and the 2025 Logies Best Factual or Documentary Program, solidifying her impact as both a storyteller and a symbol of survival.
Beyond the tennis court, Jelena has become an influential voice, a sought-after speaker, a compelling TEDx presenter, a revered commentator, and a familiar face in NINE’s coverage of the Australian Open and other grand slams. She’s not just an expert in sport but a living embodiment of the human spirit’s capacity to heal, rise, and lead.
Jelena’s story is a tapestry woven from threads of adversity, courage, and unwavering resilience, a testament to the unbreakable human spirit and the power of finding one's voice, transcending the past, and thriving against all odds.
Dame Sophie Pascoe, DNZM
New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympian (#166), Dame Sophie Pascoe burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old with a series of stunning performances to become the youngest medal winner at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games winning an amazing three golds, a World Record and a silver medal.
Over the past decade the powerful swimmer has firmly cemented her place as a national treasure. It’s impossible to do justice to all of Dame Sophie's achievements in the pool, but her quick highlight reel includes 19 Paralympic medals (including eleven gold) across four Games, 17 IPC world titles, and multiple world records.
In 2018, she made further history when she was named flagbearer and team captain at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, becoming the first para-athlete to lead the New Zealand team out at a major Games and is the most successful Commonwealth Games athlete of all time, with five gold medals over three different events.
At the end of 2021 Dame Sophie became the youngest-ever Dame in the New Year’s Honours in recognition of her record-breaking accomplishments in the pool. She is a seven-time winner of Para Athlete of the Year as well as Para Athlete of the Decade in 2020 at the Halberg Awards that honours and celebrates New Zealand sporting excellence.
Dame Sophie welcomed her first child in 2024 and for the first time since her teenage debut in 2008, she wasn’t in the pool at the Paralympics later that year. Instead, Dame Sophie took on a new role and was part of the TVNZ team presenting the live coverage each night of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games alongside Scotty Stevenson.
In January 2025, Dame Sophie announced her retirement from competitive swimming and remains deeply committed to giving back to the sport that gave her so much as she continues to be a voice of change, advocate for inclusion, inspire others, and work toward a sporting landscape where every athlete regardless of ability, has the chance to dream big, push further and re define what is possible.
A below-the-knee amputee following a lawnmower accident when she was a toddler, Dame Sophie is known for her raw honesty and offers refreshing insight into the ups and downs of life as an athlete and leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.