UNCAGED: SOLDIER, SURVIVOR, SHARK GUY.
How a Shark Attack Transformed Paul De Gelder’s Life's Purpose
IMPROVISE... ADAPT... OVERCOME...
These three words – a mantra Paul learned in the Australian Army as a young Paratrooper – resonated with him the first time he heard them. Little did he know how profoundly they would shape his extraordinary journey.
Paul de Gelder chased adventure wherever he could find it, from his wild ride as a troubled teen to his whirlwind lifestyle working in clubs and the music industry. This search for challenge eventually led him to the elite echelons of the Australian Defence Forces as an Army paratrooper and then Navy bomb disposal diver.
But trouble hunted him down in the form of a 9ft bull shark in February 2009 while diving for the Navy. Paul lost two limbs, and his career as a daredevil diver was flung into jeopardy.
Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him, Paul left nothing to chance in his recovery. He fought through excruciating pain, smashing challenge after challenge while amazing medical staff and the Australian public with his will to succeed. His inspiring story takes the saying "never say die" to a whole new level.
PRAISE FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Will Smith – "He's a super hero"
Mike Tyson – "He scares me because I see in his eyes he has no fear. He's a bad mother fucker."
David Dobrik – "I used to be scared of sharks, until I met Paul, now the only thing I'm scared of is Paul himself. How does this dude fear nothing???"
Tulsi Gabbard – "Everyone needs to hear Paul's story of how tragedy inspired transformation. You will be challenged and inspired to reflect on how every one of us can serve and make a positive impact on others and our planet."
Levison Wood, bestselling author of Walking the Nile – "Full of lessons about how to overcome fear, and find purpose, de Gelder's story is a must read. Truly inspiring."
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
"So, I have to say I downloaded this book just to find out the circumstances around Paul's shark attack. But once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I drove my husband crazy talking about it and reading passages to him. Incredible story of perseverance and overcoming." — Amazon Customer
"He was brutally honest about his life story. It was heartbreaking at times and so inspiring, of course! This man has been through so much and yet has the most positive attitude!" — Michelle
"I spent my entire day off listening to this book from beginning to end... was not disappointed! I would recommend it whole heartedly... the audio book is narrated by the author, which was great, I don't think anyone else could do it justice." — Verified Reader
"Such an inspirational story. De Gelder is so honest in his book. It makes you feel like you're sitting down with a friend and listening to his story. Bravo!" — Verified Reader
"Enjoyed this book, it shows how an individual can overcome hurdles, don't let fear rule his behaviour and continue to live life to the fullest." — Verified Reader
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul de Gelder is a former Australian Army Paratrooper and Navy Clearance Diver who survived a brutal shark attack that claimed his hand and leg. Rather than surrendering to limitation, Paul transformed this life-altering event into a platform for global impact as a speaker, environmentalist, television personality, and advocate.
His remarkable evolution from troubled youth to military elite to global inspiration demonstrates how the right mindset transforms setbacks into platforms for extraordinary impact.
