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Chris helps audiences become champions of their businesses, their worlds and themselves. He has spoken to nearly every industry and kind of audience—from Fortune 500 Companies to non-profits, from sales groups to venture capitalists and engineers.
“Bumps and the bruises don’t stop him. His website says that he is an Extreme Athlete, Mountain Bike Racer, Paralympian, Husband, Father, Friend. From experience, I can tell you that he gives each equal weight. He’s the best friend you could find. I’d imagine that daughter Ella and wife Heidi would agree that he makes them feel like the most important people in the world. And he’s never had a bad day.”
No matter how smart, rich, strong, educated we are we will struggle. Death of loved ones, divorce, bankruptcy, disease, addiction or many other things will have the power to force us to question everything we believe about ourselves and every decision we’ve ever made.
I know struggle of traumatic injury but more damaging the struggle of complacency, indecision, and insecurity
When I look back I miss the struggle (the two a day training sessions, the times that I was so sore it felt like someone had hit across the top of my back with a baseball bat) more than I miss the medals. The daily struggle was the part. It was my connection to my world and friends and colleagues
Chris Waddell’s story is one of unimaginable resilience, boundless courage, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Chris refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he redefined what was possible—not just for himself, but for millions who would come to be inspired by his journey. […]
Chris Waddell’s story is one of unimaginable resilience, boundless courage, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Chris refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he redefined what was possible—not just for himself, but for millions who would come to be inspired by his journey. As a Paralympic medalist, world-record-holding mountain climber, acclaimed children’s author, and the founder of One Revolution and the Nametags Education Program, Chris has turned hardship into hope, and limitation into liberation.
With decades of public speaking experience across global stages, Chris Waddell is more than a motivational speaker—he’s a master storyteller who empowers audiences to challenge their assumptions and embrace the power of purpose. Through his keynotes, Chris moves hearts, shifts mindsets, and sparks lasting change. Whether addressing Fortune 500 companies, schools, or non-profits, his message is universal: “It’s not what happens to you. It’s what you do with what happens to you.”
Chris Waddell brings unparalleled authenticity to the stage. A former collegiate skier at Middlebury College, Chris’s life took a dramatic turn when a skiing accident caused a spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed. What followed was a journey of transformation that would captivate the world. Refusing to be limited by his circumstances, Chris became one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes in U.S. history, winning 13 medals across four Games. He is also the first nearly unassisted paraplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro—a feat that showcased his physical endurance and mental tenacity.
Chris’s lived experience gives him deep credibility and trustworthiness. He has been featured on NBC’s Dateline, Oprah, and The Today Show, and was named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.” He’s also been inducted into both the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and the Paralympic Hall of Fame, reinforcing his status as an icon in sport and perseverance. His TEDx Talk, “Nametags,” has become a widely shared message of self-definition and inner strength.
Beyond athletics, Chris is an accomplished author. His children’s books, including Is It Lonely to Be a Four-Leaf Clover?, instill messages of inclusion, kindness, and resilience. As the founder of the One Revolution Foundation, he champions the belief that “it’s not what’s wrong with you—it’s what’s right with you,” helping young people and professionals alike recognize their own power.
His keynote presentations extend these values to corporate audiences, blending personal narrative with universal lessons on grit, adaptability, and innovation.
Chris Waddell is the embodiment of resilience and reinvention. As a Paralympic champion, pioneering mountaineer, award-winning author, and global keynote speaker, he brings credibility, empathy, and inspiration to every event. His journey from tragedy to triumph offers audiences a clear blueprint for overcoming obstacles, embracing their identity, and leading with purpose. Through the Nametags message, he champions the idea that our challenges are not our identity—they are our greatest teachers.
Booking Chris Waddell means giving your audience more than a speech. It’s offering them a life-changing experience that lingers long after the applause. Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, educational event, or leadership retreat, Chris delivers an exceptional keynote that speaks to the heart and calls audiences to rise to their full potential.
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Nikki Stone is a world-renowned inspirational keynote speaker, Olympic gold medalist, and Amazon best-selling author. As the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in inverted aerial skiing, she has defied the odds and pushed the boundaries of human potential. Nikki’s journey is a testament to resilience, mental fortitude, and the power of perseverance. […]
Kevin Rempel is a shining example of how resilience, mental toughness, and determination can transcend life’s most formidable challenges. A former motocross champion turned Paralympic medalist, Kevin has transformed personal adversity into an empowering message that captivates audiences worldwide. His journey from a devastating spinal cord injury to standing on the Olympic podium is not […]
Johnny Quinn is a keynote speaker, U.S. Olympian, and former NFL player who inspires audiences to break through their personal and professional barriers. His transformative speeches, grounded in resilience and peak performance, are sought after by corporations, organizations, and educational institutions worldwide. As a renowned expert on overcoming adversity and adapting to change, Johnny’s dynamic […]
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