Who Is Martin Pistorius? Age, Biography and Wiki
Martin Pistorius was born on December 31, 1975, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is known for his extraordinary life story, having endured a severe case of Locked-In Syndrome starting at the age of 12 due to a rare illness. After being misdiagnosed and spending years in a state of near-total paralysis, Pistorius regained his communication abilities thanks to technology and an unwavering determination. His story is one of resilience and inspiration, and he has become an author and speaker advocating for the rights and dignity of disabled individuals.
As of 2025, Martin Pistorius is 49 years old.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 31, 1975 |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Birth Place | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | South Africa |
Popularity
Martin Pistorius's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Martin Pistorius stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). Due to his medical condition, there are notable variations in his weight, often fluctuating around 140 lbs (63 kg). As a public figure, his body stats reflect his journey and serve as a tribute to his strength.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Martin Pistorius remains private about his dating life. However, he has been open about the supportive role his family has played throughout his life. His relationship status remains unclear, but it is known that he has formed deep connections with several individuals throughout his journey.
His parents then gave him a speech computer, and he began slowly regaining some upper body functions. In 2008, he met his wife Joanna through his sister Kim, and in 2009 they married. He co-wrote his autobiography Ghost Boy with Megan Lloyd Davies, which was published in 2011.
By that time, Pistorius had regained limited control over his head and arms, but still needed his speech computer to communicate with others. In 2018, it was announced that the couple were expecting a child, and Pistorius was wheelchair racing.
Net Worth and Salary
Martin Pistorius has made significant strides in his career as an author and motivational speaker. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately $1 million to $2 million, which reflects his earnings from public speaking engagements, book sales, and advocacy work. His motivational speeches often focus on his unique experiences and aim to inspire both individuals and communities.
Career, Business and Investments
Pistorius has successfully transitioned into multiple roles following his astonishing recovery. He is the author of the autobiographical book, "Ghost Boy," which chronicles his experiences and the challenges of living with Locked-In Syndrome. Martin’s principal career has revolved around public speaking, where he shares his inspiring story, and he has also engaged in various investigative projects aimed at improving accessibility for disabled individuals. His dedication to advocacy continues to open doors for more substantial investments in disability rights and technology.
Social Network
Martin Pistorius maintains a presence on several social media platforms, although he tends to keep his interactions professional and focused on advocacy. His posts often highlight themes of overcoming adversity and raising awareness about disabilities. You can follow him on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to stay updated on his journey and advocacy initiatives.
Pistorius believes that he began regaining consciousness in the early 1990s, during which time he was able to sense the people around him but did not immediately recall previous events, something he has described as "a bit like a baby being born".
Around age 19, Pistorius regained full consciousness and awareness, but was initially unable to impart this to the people around him. He was capable of making small movements that were not initially detected by his primary caregivers.
One day, Virna van der Walt—an aromatherapist and one of Pistorius' day carers—began noticing that Pistorius would react to specific statements and questions she made. Upon her recommendations, Pistorius was sent to the Centre For Augmentative And Alternative Communication at the University of Pretoria around age 25.
There, they confirmed that he was aware and could respond to statements. He has learned to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to communicate with others.
Education
Martin Pistorius's education came primarily from his family and through self-directed learning. Following his recovery, he became an avid reader and used his newfound communication skills to further his understanding of the world. While specific formal education details are not widely available, his life experiences have provided him with a diverse and valuable education that he shares with audiences around the globe.
When he was 12, he began losing voluntary motor control and eventually fell into a vegetative state for three years. He began regaining consciousness around age 16 and achieved full consciousness by age 19, although he was still completely paralysed with the exception of his eyes.
He was unable to communicate with other people until his caregiver, Virna van der Walt, noticed that he could use his eyes to respond to her words. She sent him to the centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication at the University of Pretoria for testing, where they confirmed that he was conscious and aware of his surroundings.
