Michael Lipman, born in England and raised in Sydney, played 10 rugby Test matches for England and was a professional footballer for Bristol and Bath before joining the Melbourne Rebels.
At 40 years of age, he became the highest-profile retired rugby player to publicly disclose a diagnosis of early-onset dementia as a result of repeated concussions (over 30 in his lifetime.)
Since his diagnosis Michael has been on a mission to pioneer positive change for brain health in contact sport and bring awareness to sports-related dementia and neurodegenerative disease from repetitive head trauma. He is an Ambassador for Australian CTE Biobank, the first biobank in Australia to study those with traumatic encephalopathy syndrome and risk of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and a Group Leader for 'Concussion Connect' - a support group at Macquarie University for those suffering from repetitive head trauma.
In 2022 Michael and his wife Frankie published their first book, Concussion with Allen & Unwin, a mix of personal story and scientific inquiry. It chronicles their family's journey with probable CTE and early-onset dementia and explores the science of concussion. The book is a wake-up call to contact sports and parents with children considering playing them.
Michael shares his story with incredible courage and candour, detailing the reality of life with sports-related dementia, diving deeper than mood swings and memory lapses “ his message is urgent, moving and important.
Talking Points
In Conversation with Michael Lipman
Michael Lipman is a decorated playing rugby player who at the age of 40 because the highest-profile retired rugby player to publicly disclose a diagnosis of early-onset dementia as a result of repeated concussions (over 30 in his lifetime.)In Conversation with Michael Lipman
In a facilitated conversation, Michael shares with courage and candour the impact that repeated head trauma and playing sports at the highest level now has on their lives. Additionally, Michael shares his journey going from humble beginnings to life as an elite athlete playing on the world stage.
Michael’s presentations cover the following themes, but if you would like to focus on a particular area, the conversation can be tailored to suit your needs:
• Insight into elite sports and what needs to change to create a safer space for athletes around the world
• Insight into the reality of CTE and awareness about the risk of concussion
• Issues around CTE diagnosis and the evolution of technologies that lead towards earlier and more accurate diagnosis
• Dealing with major life transitions
• Relationships between doctors, patients and carers
• Challenges for carers
• Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Men’s Health
• A vision for the future of sport
• Overcoming Adversity
• What it takes to be your best
• The Power of Visualisation
