Penny Heyns: Olympic Champion

  • Highlights:
    • Penny Heyns is celebrated as one of the most accomplished swimmers in Olympic history.
    • She is the first woman to win gold medals in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke at the same Olympic Games (Atlanta 1996).
    • Her legacy includes breaking 14 world records during her illustrious career.
    • Penny’s story is one of relentless dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
Reading time: 3 min
Reviews: (2 reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
  • Travels from: Johannesburg, SA
  • **Fee range: $500 - $5,000

Keynote Topics

Swimming is an individual and very often, lonely sport. Much like life, it requires certain key elements in order to attain success – elements such as sacrifice, perseverance and single-minded focus.

This presentation will shed light on what it takes to make it to the top of one of the world’s toughest sporting disciplines, how to stay there and how those same principles relate and apply to business and life in general.

It will inspire the listener to believe in his or her own potential, show them how to turn disappointment into victory and most importantly, how to live a life in pursuit of personal excellence.

Penny Heyns also offers a high impact workshop called Mental Power to inspire individuals and to empower people to discover their potential, find their purpose and to learn how to think like an Olympic Champion! 

 

  • Better self-understanding
  • Accurately understand their unique neurological design and how it will influence their ability to out-think, out-learn and out-create their competition.
  • More clarity on individual purpose.
  • Motivated to pursue their life’s purpose.
  • Identify how they are smart.
  • Identify unique potential.
  • Program minds for increased success.
  • Identifying and replacing mind sets that may be limiting future success.
  • Applying 8 mind sets of champions for successful living.
  • Living a more positive and constructive life by improving self-motivation.

Penny Heyns is not just a name; she is a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and triumph in the world of swimming. Hailing from South Africa, Penny Heyns has etched her name in the annals of history as the greatest female breaststroker of the 20th century. Her accolades speak volumes about her prowess in the pool, as she stands as the only woman in Olympic history to clinch gold in both the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events at Atlanta 1996, along with a bronze in Sydney 2000. With a total of 14 individual world records under her belt, Penny Heyns has left an indelible mark on the sport of swimming.

Penny Heyns

Penny Heyns’ journey to greatness was not without its challenges. Born on November 8, 1974, in Springs, South Africa, she discovered her passion for swimming at a young age. Despite facing numerous hurdles along the way, including financial constraints and limited resources, Heyns remained undeterred in her pursuit of excellence.

Her breakthrough moment came at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where she stunned the world by clinching gold medals in both the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events. This remarkable feat not only cemented her status as a sporting icon but also made her the first woman in Olympic history to achieve such a remarkable double.

Heyns’ dominance in the pool extended beyond the Olympic Games, as she went on to set a total of 14 individual world records during her illustrious career. What sets her apart from her peers is her unique achievement of holding world records in all three possible distances in breaststroke: the 50m, 100m, and 200m. This unparalleled feat solidifies her position as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.

Heyns’ exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she has been honored with numerous accolades and inductions into prestigious halls of fame. In 2006, she was inducted as an inaugural member of the South African Sport Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the nation’s sporting legacy.

The pinnacle of Heyns’ career came in 2007 when she was enshrined in the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. This prestigious honor placed her among the likes of swimming legends such as Johnny Weissmuller and Mark Spitz, further solidifying her status as an icon of the sport.

In 2012, Heyns achieved yet another milestone when she became the first non-track and female athlete to be inducted into the Africa Sports Hall of Fame. This recognition not only celebrates her sporting achievements but also acknowledges her role as a trailblazer for athletes across the African continent.

Beyond her remarkable achievements in the pool, Penny Heyns is also a compelling and inspirational speaker. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming adversity and achieving success against all odds, Heyns delivers powerful messages of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

As an international speaker, Heyns captivates audiences with her engaging storytelling and motivational insights. Whether addressing corporate events, educational institutions, or sporting organizations, Heyns leaves a lasting impression on her audience, inspiring them to push beyond their limitations and strive for greatness.

In conclusion, Penny Heyns stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals around the world. Her remarkable achievements in the pool, coupled with her compelling speaking abilities, make her a sought-after speaker for events of all kinds. By booking Penny Heyns through Speakers Inc, event planners can offer their audience an unforgettable experience filled with motivation, empowerment, and the promise of reaching new heights of success.

This profile provides a comprehensive overview of Penny Heyns’ achievements, recognition, speaking capabilities, and the reasons why event planners should consider booking her through Speakers Inc.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Overview:

This weekend coaching clinic, led by Zelda and Penny, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. Participants praised the motivational aspects of the event, highlighting its ability to reignite passion for coaching and inspire personal growth. Lynette, a coach with two decades of experience, expressed gratitude for the insights gained, emphasizing the importance of motivation and recognizing one's talent. Young swimmer Shona, only 9 years old, left the clinic feeling inspired and eager to set goals, showcasing the event's impact on all ages.

Strengths:

  • Inspiring and motivational content
  • Practical takeaways for both coaches and young athletes
  • Engaging atmosphere that encourages goal setting

Weaknesses:

  • No significant weaknesses were mentioned in the reviews.

Overall, the clinic is highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their coaching skills or inspire young athletes.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

View further speakers

  • (13)

An Olympic underdog story like no other – Jeremiah Brown achieved the incredible dream of winning a silver medal at the London 2012 Games. But his journey is virtually unheard of – going from complete novice to Olympic medalist in just four short years while juggling life as a young father. Jeremiah went on to […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Summer Olympians
  • (6)
Bubble Sphere

Bubble Sphere is great for a space that has a pool or body of water that is not being utilized at your event.  The performer will amaze the audience with contortion, light shows, and costumes this act can also be used on the ground for a snow globe-like effect. Step into a world of enchantment […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Water Performers
  • (7)
Silvia Garcia

Silvia Garcia, the former International Marketing Director and President of the Happiness Institute at Coca-Cola, is a pioneer in the field of understanding how emotions impact consumer and employee behavior. With her unparalleled expertise, she has inspired millions to revolutionize their approach to sales, customer retention, relationship-building, leadership, and overall success. Silvia Garcia’s insights have […]

  • Travels from: Lille, France
  • Happiness Speakers
  • (58)

Josh Sundquist is a Paralympian, bestselling author, and Emmy-winning Apple TV+ storyteller whose videos have generated over one billion video views. He inspires audiences to live by his mantra 1MT1MT (One More Thing, One More Time). Your attendees will leave energized and equipped to: Foster forward-thinking amid market volatility Rebound from disappointment Do 1MT1MT to […]

  • Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (42)

Doug Dvorak is a luminary among keynote motivational speakers, renowned for his global reach and profound impact. With a sterling reputation, he stands tall in the motivational speaking hall of fame and proudly holds a place in the esteemed International Who’s Who of Professional Speaking. Doug’s journey as a speaker has traversed over one million […]

  • Travels from: Palatine, IL
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (50)
America Ferrera

America Ferrera is perhaps best known for her fearless portrayal of “Betty Suarez” on ABC’s hit comedy Ugly Betty and “Carmen” in the popular film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Ferrera’s Ugly Betty role earned her an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as ALMA and Imagen Awards. America Ferrera is an award-winning actress and […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Celebrity Speakers
  • (7)
Daniel Pink

Daniel Pink is a best-selling author and one of the most influential thinkers in the realm of business and human behavior. His profound insights into motivation, leadership, and innovation have captivated audiences worldwide, making him a sought-after keynote speaker. With a career spanning over two decades, Pink has become synonymous with groundbreaking ideas that challenge […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (15)
Nidhi Tewari

Nidhi Tewari is a dynamic and influential figure in the realm of workplace culture and wellbeing. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and a decade-long immersion in therapy, she stands at the intersection of mental health advocacy and organizational development. Nidhi brings a wealth of experience garnered from her specialized work with high-performing leaders, […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Culture Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Speakers Inc.

Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

Find the Perfect Speaker

Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.