An All-American track star John continued his athletic winning streak while serving in the US Army and was looking forward to representing the USA in the 1996 Olympics. A sports accident in 1994 resulted in the amputation of his left leg. During his rehabilitation, he started swimming and within a short eighteen months of training, he qualified and competed in the 1996 Paralympics in two events. John was inspired by watching track and field athletes at the Paralympics and soon prepared, qualified and competed in the 2000 Paralympic Games where he won silver in the long jump. He founded his consultancy called Inspired Communications and serves as an inspirational speaker with a goal of helping his audiences focus on what is possible through his powerful speech “Hurdling Adversity”. John has been a spokesperson for several companies like Hartford Insurance and Disabled Sports USA. He has also been featured on national TV networks such as FOX, MSNBC, ESPN and NBC. He has served on the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and was instrumental in founding the USOC Paralympic Military Program, an organization that helps service members recover with the assistance of sports.

What challenges did you face during your transformation from All-American long jumper to Paralympic Silver medalist? How did you face those challenges?J: One challenge was learning how to run again. A greater challenge was learning how to except my self in my new body. I face those challenges by embracing a new normal mindset.

What are your most memorable Paralympic games and why?J: My most memorable Paralympic games is a tough question to answer. Each games is so unique that I try to find the best out of each games. My most memorable moment probably came in 2000 when I won the Paralympic silver metal in the long jump.

What do you like about your role as a professional keynote speaker?J: I enjoy being able to inspire others to act towards their dreams. My most memorable moments are when people who have not heard me speak reach out to me and tell me how much the story impacted their life because they heard it from somebody else.

Who is your inspiration?J: I have a very strong faith in God. And when I mean God I mean Jesus Christ. I believe that I need to seek out those things first and all else will be added to me. Secondly, my wife Alice is my greatest inspiration. She pushes me like no one else. And then there are my children. I have a maze at what they accomplish each day.

What are your other hobbies?J: My favorite hobbies are to ride my bicycle, walk the neighborhood, read books, and when it is possible to kayak.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?J: I enjoy visiting Chicago, Washington DC, and San Diego. Each of those places have so much to do and the people are amazingly friendly.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?J: My suggestion, guidance, advice, is for parents to allow their children to be children. To allow their children to play with other kids in the neighborhood. Kids desire to be with kids. Let them grow up without any in addition that they are different. If you treat them differently they will act differently. If you treat them as anyone should be treated they will grow up strong and resilient.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in sports?J: Get involved with your local sports club or school. Demand they treat you like all others.

Any special message for our community?J: Know that you are incredible. You are world changers. You force the world to look at all abilities.