“Let me tell you what winning means . . . you’re willing to go longer, work harder, give more than anyone else.”
—Vince Lombardi, American Football
SPEAKING
"Stephen has a wonderful story to tell. I think it really moved our students... it's a great lesson for (them) to hear. I want them to persevere and work hard... his presentation shows us that he can do it, and we can do it!"
Lori Lockhart
Principal of Roosevelt Elementary, Wilmar, MN
Stephen speaking to
Roosevelt Elementary Students
"Thank you for your presentation... There's nothing like a lot of determination and a good spirit to make something happen even though the odds are against it."
Event Attendee
"Stephen's presentation was excellent. I've been a fan of track and field ever since I was a kid, it was amazing... but even more so was the inspiring words he had about how he came through from such a tragic event and worked his way through."
Event Attendee
"I found his story remarkable, and I think it's amazing the goals that he set and the message that he had to help us carry on and persevere."
Event Attendee
Watertown's own version of EARTH, WIND, AND FIRE, Stephen Heidenreich, engaged a lively audience at the public library to make an August evening memorable. He was down to EARTH with a clear message of hope in troubled times. The WIND of the Spirit of the living God stirred our hearts and minds as he challenged us to never be satisfied until we become our best selves. His practical, yet powerful, message lit our FIRE. The group lingered for engaged conversation, and we walked out with smiles on our faces, and a spring in our steps. We are better because you are in our midst!
— Adrienne Kaufmann, OSB
“Stephen Heidenreich did not disappoint. His message not only inspired our members but it provided helpful tips that could be used in their every-day life and it challenged them to persevere and stay focused on their goals. Our members walked away with new insight on achieving tasks they previously thought might be impossible!”
—Rhea Thompson, DTM, Program Quality Director, District 26 Toastmasters
"Stephen Heidenreich presented to the Summit County Brain Injury Support Group about his inspirational journey recovering from a brain injury. His story came to life with vivid photos and videos and Stephen’s storytelling from his early days training to his competitions to his accomplishments before and after his injury. His message is powerful, and his strategies are useful for brain injury survivors, families and anyone who is facing difficulties. We are so grateful for Stephen to share his story to our group!"
—Melissa Volkert, OTD, OTR/L
Facilitator of the Summit County Brain Injury Support Group
Signature Speech:
Against All Odds: How To Win With Olympic Mental Training
Students want to succeed – in school, sports and life. But most students are not taught the mental skills they need to bounce back from failure, set meaningful goals, or believe in themselves. Success isn’t just about talent – it’s about the mindset and life skills we build.
When I was in college, I was training on the Olympic track team when I was struck by a hit-and-run driver. Doctors gave me a 5% chance to live, let alone ever run again.
I used the same mental strategies the Olympic coaches taught me to recover from my injury and achieve greatness in academics, athletics, and life. After my talk, students will leave knowing how they can apply Olympic Mental Training so that they can be a champion too.
Key Takeaways:
• How to develop a resilience mindset
• How to set meaningful goals and follow through
• How to visualize the perfect performance
• How to use positive self-talk to fuel performance in academics, athletics, and life
• Learn the tools you need to come back after a failure or challenge
Other Speaking & Workshop Topics Include:
• Visualization: Mentally rehearse success before it happens
• Discipline: Olympic athlete habits for success
• The Power of Setting Meaningful Goals
• How to build resilience in academics (or career), athletics, and in life
Contact Stephen to arrange to have him speak to your student assembly, athletic banquet, professional association or sales meeting.
Midco Magazine Interview
Watertown’s Stephen Heidenreich was on the cusp of making the 1976 US Olympic Team before a near-fatal accident set his life on a different course. Alex Heinert shares his story of determination on Episode #110.