While this year’s Olympians will be competing for gold medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, there are plenty of other Olympians who will be inspiring spectators to pursue their own version of excellence.
Top Olympians know what it means to strive for excellence, and some of them use their journeys to deliver inspiring keynote speeches that motivate nearly any audience member to reach new heights. Today, some of the top Olympians who serve as keynote speakers sharing lessons on perseverance, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles include:
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US Olympic gymnast Simone Biles
Simone BilesAudiences can be enthralled by Biles, the most accomplished gymnast in Olympic history, who led the U.S. women’s gymnastics team to another gold medal at this summer’s Olympics. She has spoken on a variety of topics, including overcoming adversity, setting goals and achieving success. She has also been vocal about the importance of mental health, especially for athletes, and has shared her own experiences with anxiety and depression.
- Michael PhelpsThe U.S. swimmer, who has won more medals than any other Olympic athlete (23), shares lessons of dedication and perseverance as she works to raise awareness of mental health issues.
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Michael Phelps
Shannon MillerThe former American gymnastics star now spends her time promoting health and wellness, and hopes to share her message and platform to inspire others on their health journey.
- Greg LouganisAnother well-known US Olympian and multiple gold medal diving champion, he is also a vocal activist for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness.
- Amy Van DykenThe six-time Olympic gold medalist and swimming star has also become an advocate for people with disabilities. She took up swimming after being diagnosed with three types of asthma, which severely reduced her lung capacity, and overcame the odds. Then she was in a tragic ATV accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down, but against the odds, she was walking again with the help of a brace and walker just a few months later. Her motto is, “You have no right to tell me what I can and can’t do.”
- Allison SchmidtThe swimming star has won a total of eight medals at the Olympics, setting an Olympic record with her gold medal in the 200m freestyle. Her themes include health, empowerment and personal growth.
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Kerri Walsh Jennings
Kerri Walsh JenningsThe beach volleyball star won three gold medals at the Summer Olympics in 2004, 2008 and 2012 with his partner Misty May Trainor and now headlines corporate and private events and is a motivational keynote speaker.
- Meb KeflezighiThis American long-distance runner and Olympian, who came to the United States as one of 10 refugee children from Eritrea, is now a brand ambassador for brands like Skechers, Sony, and Oakley. His inspiring story of achieving the American Dream makes him an inspiring and motivational keynote speaker.
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Edwin Moses
Edwin MosesMoses is also a former U.S. Olympian and received an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Massachusetts for his work using sport as a vehicle for social change. He specializes in inspirational keynote speeches and public speaking.
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