Hari Budha Magar is an inspirational British veteran and adversity speaker whose story of resilience captivates audiences worldwide. After losing both legs above the knee to an IED explosion in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan, Hari transformed his life into a testament of perseverance and determination. Today, he is celebrated for his extraordinary achievements as a mountaineer and disability rights advocate, delivering powerful speeches that motivate individuals and organisations to overcome obstacles and embrace challenges.
Hari began his military career at the age of 19, joining the British Army through the Royal Gurkha Rifles in 1999. After his life-changing injury and recovery, he went on to redefine the possibilities for himself and others with disabilities. Participating in activities such as skiing, kayaking, wheelchair basketball, and rock climbing, he continues to prove that physical and mental barriers can be overcome. His journey to becoming a prominent adversity speaker is rooted in his lived experiences and his mission to inspire others.
Hari’s historic ascent of Mount Everest in 2023, earning him a Guinness World Record, is one of his most notable accomplishments. Prior to this, he climbed Mera Peak in 2017, becoming the first double-knee amputee to summit a mountain over 6,000 metres. Hari also successfully lobbied to overturn the ban on disabled people climbing Mount Everest in 2018. Further achievements include being one of the first double-knee amputees to climb Mont Blanc, trek to Everest Base Camp using Genium X3 prosthetic legs, and conquer Mount Toubkal. More recently, in 2024, he was awarded an MBE for his remarkable contributions to mountaineering and disability advocacy, and he became the first double-knee amputee to climb Denali (6,190m).
Hari is highly regarded as an adversity speaker due to his unique ability to connect with audiences through his remarkable story, humour, and authenticity. Organisations invite him to inspire teams, encourage resilience, and foster a growth mindset. Hari’s experiences demonstrate that with determination and the right mindset, it is possible to triumph over even the most daunting challenges.
