Danielle Campo McLeod O.Ont, PLY, RSW, BSW
Decorated Paralympian • Award-Winning Speaker • Author • Coach
Danielle Campo McLeod is a celebrated Canadian Paralympic swimmer, motivational speaker, author, and coach whose inspiring journey has transformed lives around the globe. A recipient of the 2024 National Hero Award from Canada’s Walk of Fame, Danielle is also invested with Order of Ontario inductee and a tireless advocate for inclusion, resilience, and personal growth.
Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at the age of two—initially misdiagnosed as muscular dystrophy—Danielle overcame significant challenges to achieve extraordinary success. Her passion for swimming propelled her onto the international stage, where she represented Canada at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. There, she earned multiple gold medals, set eight world records, and brought home a total of 17 Paralympic and World Championship medals.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Danielle has dedicated her life to empowering others. As a coach and mentor, she works with individuals and corporations to help people realize their full potential, achieve personal breakthroughs, and celebrate their “gold medal moments.” Danielle’s corporate coaching programs emphasize resilience, teamwork, and achieving peak performance, while her individual coaching focuses on unlocking the best version of oneself through a blend of mindset shifts, practical strategies, and compassionate support.
For over 15 years, Danielle has also been a National Ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, playing a pivotal role in fundraising efforts with Canadian firefighters to generate millions of dollars for individuals living with neuromuscular disorders. Her advocacy extends to mental health, where she promotes well-being, inclusivity, and resilience across diverse communities.
As a devoted mother of five, including two children diagnosed with SMA, Danielle brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. Her experiences as both a parent navigating disability and as a person with a disability herself drive her commitment to fostering understanding and support within families, workplaces, and communities.
Danielle’s journey is marked by her miraculous recovery from a life-threatening health crisis following childbirth. Her story of survival, faith, and perseverance is captured in her memoir, “Resurrections: My Will to Survive is Olympian,” an inspiring reflection on overcoming life’s adversities.
Her contributions have been recognized with prestigious honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, and an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of Windsor, where she became the youngest person to receive this distinction.
Danielle’s work and inspiring story have been featured on major media platforms, including The Social, Breakfast Television, CP24, 100 Huntley Street, CHCH, CBC, and CTV News.
Through her public speaking engagements, corporate and individual coaching, and community initiatives, Danielle continues to inspire others to embrace resilience, focus on their strengths, and strive for a more inclusive and compassionate society. Her message encourages everyone to unlock their potential and achieve their own gold medal moments.
