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Blake Leeper

World Record Holder | 8 Time Paralympic Medal Winner

Record breaking Blade Runner & Inspirational Speake

Blake Leeper isn’t just a speaker—he’s living proof that the human spirit is limitless. Born without legs, he defied all odds to become an 8-time Paralympic medalist, world record–holding sprinter, and one of the fastest men on the planet—able-bodied or not. His story of resilience, grit, and relentless pursuit of greatness will leave your audience inspired to think bigger, push harder, and break through their own barriers.

World-Class Athlete: 8-time Paralympic medalist and world-record-holding sprinter competing against able-bodied Olympians.
Defies the Odds: Born without legs, Blake’s journey is a living example of resilience, grit, and the power of mindset.
Inspires Breakthrough Performance: Shares proven strategies for pushing past limits and achieving peak results in any field.
Captivating Storytelling: Delivers high-energy, emotionally charged presentations that connect with every audience.
Universal Relevance: Lessons in leadership, adaptability, and overcoming obstacles translate directly to business, sports, and life.
Lasting Impact: Attendees leave not just inspired, but equipped with actionable tools to create change.
Unmatched Energy: Brings contagious enthusiasm and positivity that energizes entire rooms.

Program Themes

Overcoming adversity
Cultivating a “Why not me?” mindset
Building bridges of inclusion
Motivating others to dream big

Core Titles

My Personal Story
Finding Abilities in Your Disabilities
Running Towards Your Dreams

“If you’re looking for a speaker with genuine high energy, passion, and an inspirational message to motivate your team, Blake Leeper should be at the top of your list.”
Eric J. Thomes, CEO, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC

“Blake incorporated and understood the messages we wanted to communicate to our international audience perfectly, and his energy on stage was second to none!”
Anna Frolander, chief of staff, EF International

“Blake’s story mesmerized our team. In a culture that seems to create and reward victimization, he breaks the mold and exemplifies a powerful VICTOR mindset.”

Blake Leeper is associated with a diverse range of high-profile corporate clients. These include:

Xfinity
Visa
Toyota
Nike
Microsoft
JP Morgan
Allianz
Moderna
Salesforce
Marriott
Pandora
Wells Fargo
Jackson National

Blake Leeper – Goalcast Speaking Sample

How Paralympic Star Blake Leeper Turns Adversity Into His Advantage

Paralympic sprinter Blake Leeper wins 400m semifinal at U.S. National Championships | NBC Sports

A RUNNER WITHOUT LEGS One of The Most Motivational Life Stories by Blake Leeper life lesson

Why Not Me?

Travels From: California
City: Los Angeles

$10,001 to $15,000

Biography

Patrick “Blake” Leeper was born on August 31st, 1989 in Kingsport, Tennessee. Born with both legs missing below the knee, Blake still spent his young life focused on succeeding in sports. At nine months old he began wearing prosthetics and spent his young life thriving in sports. Blake’s top sport was basketball.

During high school, Blake almost quit athletic endeavors — as an aspiring pre-med student, he felt that he needed to apply himself fully ahead of the college admissions process. After deciding to go to pre-med camp in the summer before his senior year of high school rather than play summer basketball, Blake thought his decision had been sealed. However, a high school teammate (and current NFL standout) Cody Sensabaugh convinced Blake to continue playing basketball during his senior year.

Racing Career

First Races:

Without any exposure to the world of track, Blake Leeper set out for his first event. Not even knowing how to get into the blocks, Blake came in first place in the event and earned attention from U.S. Paralympics coaches. They made sure to stay in touch with Blake, who at the time was a student at University of Tennessee.

Blake continued to balance school and track, eventually heading down to Brazil to participate in a major race. There, he placed first and solidified his status as one of track’s least expected young stars.

Making the Move:

Initially, Blake attempted to continue balancing school with his athletic endeavors. Majoring in Pre-Medicine and Physics, this was no easy task. However, he continued to post eye-popping numbers at events, and was invited to train with U.S. Olympians in the summer of 2010. After getting into the best shape of his life in San Diego, Blake took home first place at trials in Miami.

Following his dominant performance, Blake attempted to break tough news to his parents: that he wanted to drop out of school and pursue track full time. His mother began to cry — she, a nurse, had always dreamed of working with her son, whose goal had been to become a doctor. Blake was convinced to continue attending school at Tennessee.

In the fall of 2010, Blake finally hit a point where it became clear that he could not pursue track at the necessary level while still in school. Balancing highly demanding programs with maintaining a social life and a full training regimen became too much. His performances suffered and he realized that he had to make a decision.

“Something had to give,” Blake said reflecting on the trying period in his life. So, he packed his bags and headed to California to begin his life as an Olympian.

An Olympian is Born:

Blake arrived in San Diego in December of 2010 and spent the entirety of 2011 training. For the first time in his life, he was living the lifestyle of an athlete. However, just one month into his time in San Diego, a substantial challenge emerged.

Blake headed to New Zealand for a series of events in which he would race Oscar Pistorius. Nervous and exhausted from the travel, Blake came in fifth in his events.

While he knew he wasn’t where he needed to be, Blake learned something important from the saga: “I lost, but I was so close. I can be the best in the world.”

Blake spent the next year of his life devoted fully to his training. Working at a Champs Sporting Goods store to pay the bills, he embraced the grind in Southern California in an effort to reach his peak condition ahead of the 2012 games.

In the first race of 2012, Blake posted a sub-22 in the 200m — Pistorius was the only other person in the world who had done so. By June of 2012, Blake was tying the reigning champ’s times. Then, by the time the games rolled around, Blake was posted a 21.7 in the 200m.

2012 Paralympic Games

Blake Leeper arrived to his first Paralympic games in the best shape of his life. He was primed, prepared, and by many accounts ready to challenge Oscar Pistorius.

However, there is no substitute for experience. Having already been in London for a month prior to the Paralympic Games, Pistorius took home the gold in most events.

Blake earned a bronze medal in the 200m and a silver medal in the 400m. While he did fall short of his goals of beating Pistorius, he had definitively showed that track and field world that his time was coming.

Connecting with an Icon

Throughout his entire life, Blake looked up to Bo Jackson. In the 1980s, Jackson played in the MLB with a prosthetic hip, making him the only professional athlete to do so.

As a child, Blake had a run-in with Bo Jackson after writing a letter to the athlete explaining his situation and why he admired the sports legend. At an event in Tennessee, Jackson made it a point to invite the Leeper family backstage and sign any items Blake wanted. Two decades later, the athletes would meet once again.

Following a breakout showing at the 2012 Paralympic Games, Blake was invited onto the Arsenio Hall Show. During his appearance, Hall signaled to have someone bring out Blake’s running blades so he could show the audience how they worked. Expecting to see a producer quickly dart out with the gear, Blake was shocked to see his idol, Bo Jackson, walk onto the stage. The show had planned a surprise, and Blake was able to reconnect with his idol.

After the show, Bo Jackson offered incredible words of encouragement and support to Blake. “Call me Uncle Bo,” the legend said. Jackson did help Blake land a deal with Nike, which was a major help in his efforts to prepare to challenge a new set of world records.

Wakeup Call

For the first time in Leeper’s life, he was making real money. However, this influx of cash ratcheted up his level of his partying. During a down year with few events, Leeper’s partying escalated. One week away from the 2015 nationals, he told his roommates that he would throw a true party with them if he posted a record-setting 48 in the 400.

Leeper did just that, and subsequently partied with his roommates ahead of nationals.

After improving even more with a 47.9 at trials, Leeper was asked to take a random drug test. While the test did not show cocaine itself, it did show metabolic byproducts of the substance, which was enough to warrant a suspension.

Leeper negotiated his suspension down to a one-year ban with the USADA, but the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) insisted on a two-year ban. After being led to believe that the one-year ban would be the prevailing punishment, his ability to compete in the 2016 Paralympic Games was stripped away from him at the last moment.

Never Giving Up

True to his character, Blake did not walk away from the sport he loves after his ban from the 2016 games. Following what he admitted was a “dark” period for him during the games, he doubled down in his commitment to his sport. Now fully sober and actively attending AA meetings, Blake is making a return to the sport he loves.

“My life is simple: I train, I eat and I sleep.”

Blake is now not only setting an example with his determination in the face of a situation he was born into, but also in his path back from addiction. Most individuals would have been knocked down by these combined circumstances, but the events simply strengthened Blake’s resolve.

Thanks to the help of his trainers and girlfriend, Blake is back on track. Living sober and focusing on training, Blake is preparing to make his comeback to the world of track and field.

Presentations

Born without legs below his knees, Patrick “Blake” Leeper has never been one for excuses. He has defied the odds and won countless titles as a Paralympic runner. Now, he shares his personal yet inspiring story with all audiences. Taking them through every twist and turn, this articulate young man will have everyone on the edge of their seat, leaving the event with a sense of confidence and the determination to never give up.

Patrick “Blake” Leeper has faced insurmountable obstacles as a paraplegic athlete. However, he has never let his physical disabilities stop him from following his dreams. Leeper uses his life and the lessons learned as the guideline to teach audiences to find the positive abilities in their seemingly negative disabilities. Whether the wall in front of you is physical or emotional, this speech provides practical advice to push forward as well as motivation to challenge yourself to overcome any barrier you may face.

In this speech, Patrick “Blake” Leeper defines what it means to set your mind to accomplishing your wildest dreams. Using sport analogies and personal stories, he inspires audiences to run towards their dreams rather than walk. His encouraging and powerful message will help others believe in themselves, remain persistent and ultimately embrace their flaws to achieve their goals.

Areas of expertise

Overcoming Adversity & Resilience – Turning challenges into opportunities and thriving under pressure.
Peak Performance & Motivation – Strategies to perform at the highest level in sports, business, and life.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Advocating for accessibility, representation, and breaking stereotypes.
Leadership & Teamwork – Inspiring collaboration and leading with purpose.
Mindset & Mental Toughness – Building the mental resilience to overcome setbacks.
Inspiration & Personal Growth – Empowering individuals to set bold goals and achieve them.

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