Blake Leeper

Olympic/Paralympic Games Medalist, World and American Record Holder, Nike Athlete

Topics: Inspirational & Motivational, Resilience, Sports, Attitude, Black History Month, DE&I – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Elite Performance, Empowerment, Olympic Athlete, Storytelling, TED Speakers, Teamwork

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Biography

Patrick “Blake” Leeper was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, with both legs missing below the knee, and has worn prosthetics since nine months of age. In his childhood, Blake played various sports (baseball, basketball, etc.) with his dad’s coaching. He credits his outstanding positive attitude to his family.

Leeper was chosen by the US Paralympics to represent Team USA in Rio 2016. At the Paralympic trials, he set a new American record in the 200m with a time of 21.5 and a new America’s record in the 400m at 46.1. He took silver in the 100m despite losing a prosthetic leg crossing the finish line live on NBC. In April 2018, Leeper set a new world record of 45.05 in a 400-meter race, not only beating Pistorius’ record but placing him in the top 10 amongst able-bodied athletes.

Leeper’s medal collection includes one gold, six silver, and one bronze. Over his career, he hopes to win more medals than any Paralympic athlete in track and field. He strives to inspire others as the first American track and field Paralympian to qualify for the able-bodied Olympic trials. In addition to the medals he has already won, Leeper holds one 2013 Paralympic world record in the 4x100m relay and three American records in the 100-meter dash (10.91). On June 20, 2015, Leeper broke his own American record in the 200-meter dash (21.49) and smashed the 400-meter dash record with a time of (46.54). Leeper’s record (4.42) for the 4×100-meter relay still stands today—making him the first-ever double-leg amputee under 45 seconds.

Born without legs from a congenital birth defect, Leeper did not start racing until 2010. It was at his first-ever race in Edmond, Oklahoma, that he caught the attention of the Associate Director of High Performance for U.S. Paralympics Track and Field, who convinced his parents to let their son move into the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, where he started his habit of winning. That’s when Leeper left the University of Tennessee to embark on a journey that no one could envision for a kid from Tennessee born without legs. As a popular inspirational speaker, he shares his incredible story with audiences worldwide, imparting them the valuable lesson that anything is possible.

Videos

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

My Personal Story

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.

Finding Abilities in Your Disabilities

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.

Running Towards Your Dreams

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.

Testimonials

I listened to Blake's speech along with about 1400 people in the arena; the majority were high school seniors. You could have heard a pin drop while he spoke. I've never seen young people more captivated. Blake stayed three hours past his contract time. He made over 1,000 photos with young people. I have worked in education for twenty-four years, Some of these students have been with me for five years. In that time, students who still won't look me in the eye stood in line for almost an hour just to meet Blake after listening to him speak. I am so appreciative of your guidance and patience during this process. You helped change lives in Appalachia on Friday, 1 know that sounds like it is blown out of proportion, but you truly did.

– Lincoln Memorial University

Blake knocked it out of the park. Some comments I have received: "Man, that was incredible" and "I'm a better person after hearing Blake." He had a long line of folks wanting to meet him when he was done. Not only did he do an awesome job with his message, he is a really good guy. We all enjoyed spending time with him. Thanks for working with us-Blake now has another 300+ fans!

– President & CEO, Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc.

The event went smooth and everyone was so inspired and motivated by Blake Leeper. He is an amazing young athlete and speaker. I would recommend him for any audience. Our audience was very inspired since we serve a large population with disabilities. Thank you for recommending him to us. We are going to keep track of him in hopes he will make the 2016 Olympics!

– Community Mental Health Board of Clinton-Eaton-Ingham Counties (CMHB)

Blake Leeper was a super hero on Friday. Incredible. Phenomenal. Can't say enough good things about him and the job he did.

– The McCallie School

I listened to Blake's speech along with about 1400 people in the arena; the majority were high school seniors. You could have heard a pin drop while he spoke. I've never seen young people more captivated. Blake stayed three hours past his contract time. He made over 1,000 photos with young people. I have worked in education for twenty-four years, Some of these students have been with me for five years, In that time, students who still won't look me in the eye stood in line for almost an hour just to meet Blake after listening to him speak. I am so appreciative of your guidance and patience during this process, You helped change lives in Appalachia on Friday, I know that sounds like it is blown out of proportion, but you truly did.

– Lincoln Memorial University

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