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Steven Bradbury knows a thing or two about a comeback, and the Olympic champion has done it again - but this time it was his hairline making the news at the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday.
Bradbury is hailed as both a champion and a meme for his spectacular speed skating gold medal win, which made him an instant Aussie icon.
His historic Olympic victory came at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, where he won gold in the men’s 1000m short track speed skating final.
After trailing the field, Bradbury benefited from a spectacular last-corner pile-up that wiped out all four leading skaters, allowing him to cross the line first.
His win made him Australia’s first Winter Olympic gold medallist, instantly becoming part of sporting folklore.
Now, the 52-year-old has made another dramatic comeback, this time fighting back against male pattern baldness.
Winter Olympics champion Steven Bradbury has been battling a receding hairline for years
He appeared on Channel Nine's Melbourne Cup coverage boasting a full head of luxurious hair (pictured)
Bradbury's hairline had been receding at a dramatic rate since his Winter Olympics win, but he looked like a new man when he hit television screens as part of Channel Nine's Melbourne Cup coverage.
Where the top of his dome was once exposed, he now boasts thick, luxurious hair.
'Must be a stamp from Turkey in his passport,' one viewer posted, suggesting he travelled to the country for hair transplants.
'What a comeback! He was down to his last hair standing!' posted another.
Another added: 'His forehead fell over and his hairline won'.
'He definitely did a Bradbury with his hair,' posted yet another.
The hair upgrade and television appearance were deserved rewards for Bradbury, who has been busy in recent years.
Bradbury is now a popular motivational speaker and event host, travelling across Australia to share his story of persistence and resilience.
Bradbury won his heat because the other skaters collided and fell, and it happened again in the final
Bradbury became Australia's first Winter Olympics gold medal winner and an instant Aussie icon
Bradbury has kept busy in recent years, including launching his own line of beer called Last Man Standing
He delivers keynote talks to schools, businesses, and sporting clubs, using his Olympic journey as a lesson in preparation and perseverance.
Away from the stage, Bradbury co-owns a craft beer company called Last Man Standing Brewing, which he launched with friends.
He remains active in promoting Australian sport and often appears at charity and community events.
Bradbury also coaches young athletes and supports grassroots programs that encourage participation in ice sports.
In 2022, he made headlines again after rescuing four teenage girls caught in rough surf on the Sunshine Coast.
His quick actions earned him a national bravery commendation the following year.
Bradbury continues to live in Queensland with his family, balancing his speaking work with business ventures.
