Mallory Weggemann
Paralympic Athlete~ Producer~ Author
Sessions
CELEBRATE
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Thu
Fresh from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, where she won 2 gold medals and a silver medal, Mallory Weggemann is passionate about sharing with audiences how to persevere in the face of adversity, overcome impossible obstacles, and redefine limits. After an injury that led to permanent paralysis at the age of 18, Weggemann created a new life for herself. Within three-months of the injury, she found herself doing what she loved—swimming competitively—while chasing her dreams. Within four years she set 15 world records and 33 American records before winning gold and bronze medals at the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Shortly after, she suffered an additional injury to her arm resulting in nerve damage that could have left her sidelined. Instead, she persevered, making the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, as well as the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games where she brought home a silver and two gold medals. With unmatchable energy and enthusiasm, Weggemann guides audiences on how to manage setbacks—especially those that come out of nowhere. From the raw emotions of early obstacles to the celebration of each accomplishment along the way, Weggemann chronicles her journey, while encouraging audiences to chart their own paths, regardless of hurdles faced throughout the process. Weggemann argues that we all have a choice: to allow limitations to overpower us, or face them in a journey toward new abilities and accomplishments. Focusing on mental fortitude and strength as the foundation for achieving personal greatness, along with defining boundaries, and reaching for individual goals and outcomes, Weggemann’s message offers takeaways for teams and individuals at all points in life’s journey.