In 1994 Olympic gold medallist Dan Jansen became a symbol of strength,
hard work, and perseverance. He first captured attention during the 1988
Winter Olympics. Hearts went out to him when the world learned that his
sister, whose last words were ones urging him to victory, had died mere
hours before his first race. He announced that he wanted to win as a tribute
to her and as he stepped onto the ice, we cheered a little louder than
normal. When he fell—not once, but twice—we felt his pain as if it were
our own.
After the 1988 Olympics, letters poured in from fans worldwide,
President Reagan invited him to the White House, and the U.S. Olympic Committee
honored him with the Olympic Spirit Award. The speed skating champion embodies
the competitive spirit, and his story inspires us to reach for our own
personal "gold".
Jansen continued to train and in 1989, he skated a personal best
in the 500m, earning a silver medal at the Sprint Championships and two
silvers at the World Cup. The following year, he won two silvers at the
World Cup and this time, earned a gold at the Sprint Championships. The
winning streak continued in 1991, when he won two World Cup gold medals.
In preparation for the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France, he
set a U.S. Track Record at the U.S. Trials, again, won two gold medals
in the World Cup, and skated his career fastest 500m, breaking the world
record. But again, the Olympic gold eluded his grasp. During his final
chance in the 1994 Olympic games Dan told himself to relax and have fun.
His performance dazzled the spectators with a world record and an Olympic
gold medal in the 1000m event. As he took his victory lap, there wasn’t
a dry eye in the arena.
Dan's record-setting performances as winner of more than 30 World
Cup races, more than 50 World Cup medals, and winner of 20 World Championship
medals, combined with his inspiring positive outlook, has attracted sponsors
as well as fans. He does marketing endorsements for Glaxo Wellcome, Swiss
Army Watches, CBS Sports, America’s Health Network, and Nissan/National
Geographic Earth 2U. From 1994-1998 he was a CBS Sports on-air personality
and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics
International. Since winning the gold, this avid golfer with a 12 handicap
has delivered over 300 motivational speeches and has been featured in such
magazines as Newsweek, People, Rolling Stone, and TV Guide.
Among numerous awards and honors he has received throughout the
years, in 1995, Dan was awarded the Amateur Athletic Union’s James E. Sullivan
Award, presented annually to the outstanding athlete in the U.S. who exhibits
the qualities of leadership, character, sportsmanship, and the ideals of
amateurism. In honor of his sister, the Dan Jansen Foundation was established,
contributing funds for Leukemia research, youth sports, and educational
programs.
The youngest of nine children born to Harry and Gerry Jansen, a
retired police officer and a retired nurse, Dan is a first class competitor.
He is also a man who knows about dreaming big and the work, positive attitude,
and strength it takes to make those dreams come true. As a speaker, he
uses his story to inspire others to turn their dreams into reality.
“With someone like Dan, it's a comfort to see that there really
are heroes; that America's family members are out there winning. No drugs,
no big salaries, no scandals; just kids you'd like to see your sons and
daughters marry.” — John Teaford, Former U.S. Speed Skating Coach
TOPICS:
Going for the Gold: With humor, sensitivity and candor, Jansen outlines
the principles that supported him through the process of dealing with his
losses and overcoming his obstacles, a process that he now understands
is one of growth. The lessons he has learned from his own life experiences
are the foundation of the life he lives today.
Fee Range:
$10,000 - $20,000
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