Topics: International Speakers Bureau, Inc. |
 Fee Range: $5,001 to $10,000 (fee note) |
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 Biography: It was July 31, 1984, the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Tim Daggett was next on Horizontal Bar for the USA. Finally, it was Daggett's moment. He mounted the bar. He began his routine, adrenalin flooding through every nerve in his body, through every fine-tuned muscle. Throughout Pauley Pavilion, the only sound was the anxious ache of the bar, as Daggett moved from one skill to another, displaying a strength and control never having been equaled in international competition. Then, the dismount. He let go of the bar, flying 15 feet in the air, did a double back, laid out somersault with a full twist - and landed - right on his feet. A perfect 10 was posted. Daggett had clinched the first gold medal for the U.S. Men's Gymnastics Team in modern history. The arena exploded with excitement; all across America people leaped from their chairs to join in the chants. "U-S-A! U-S-A!" And the name Tim Daggett was recorded in the history books throughout the world. While most of his teammates chose to retire from competition, Daggett's energy still flowed. He felt he had not yet achieved his personal best. So, amid the stardom and fanfare which followed the Olympics, Daggett followed his heart and went back to the gym. It was not easy. Surgery on both ankles had onlookers doubting his choice. But Daggett fought on, and in 1985 he became the American Cup All-Around Champion; in 1986 he became the Champion of the U.S.A. Then disaster struck. While practicing for the 1987 American Cup, Daggett fell 15 feet from the high bar. He landed on his head, rupturing a disc in his neck and incurring a tremendous amount of nerve damage on his left side. The gymnastics community thought his career was over; the media agreed. Daggett, however, did not. Through long moths of rehabilitation, Daggett persevered, battling his way back to the sport he loved. With dedication and commitment he proved the critics wrong, and by October of 1987, unbelievably, he was ready for the 1987 World Championships in Rotterdam, Holland. After the first day of competition, Daggett was in medal contention for two different events. The next day he prepared for the first of these: vaulting. He ran down the runway and hit the board, flying farther and higher than he ever had before. But he got a little bit crooked in the air, came down a little bit off, and landed his vault to what sounded like the crack of a rifle shot, as both his fibula and tibia snapped, severing an artery and causing Daggett to lose a life threatening five and an half pints of blood. Five major surgeries later, Daggett was faced with the almost certain realization that he would never compete again. But with the ceaseless determination which had made him one of the top gymnasts in the world, Daggett began the struggle to fight back. Slowly, painfully, he fought. He met the obstacles head on; he dared to try. And months later, against all odds, Daggett returned to world class competition. Today Daggett is one of the most "in demand" motivational speakers in the country. Beyond his Perfect 10 and Olympic Gold, Daggett's story of inner strength, motivation and learning to overcome insurmountable obstacles shows audiences that with commitment to a goal, and belief in oneself, anything is possible. But Daggett is not an ordinary speaker. He adds to his lecture two heartfelt video presentations, plus the awe inspiring, visual demonstration - all of which combine to entertain, captivate and encourage audiences to "Go for their Gold." Daggett is a teacher and he is a doer. His presentation is filled with a unique mix of emotion, humor and entertainment and, as he shares his momentous success and his heroic struggle, he touches the hearts of all who hear him. Believability permeates the room...for Daggett has been there. An understanding of his words builds as he speaks...for Daggett is magnetic. "Dare to Dream" is the theme he repeats over and over. "Dreams really can come true...through hard work, determination, the willingness to fail, and the willingness to keep on trying." The message is clear, the motive is unquestioned...for Daggett has proved it to the world. Armed with the same energy and dedication as he put into his incredible gymnastics career, Daggett brings to audiences of all sizes and backgrounds a truly unique, truly memorable performance which entertains as it informs and inspires as it motivates. His timely, enthusiastic message is especially effective for stimulating sales groups, management teams, medical personnel, educators and audiences of all types who are looking for a refreshing change of pace from ordinary "How-To" speakers. Daggett is, quite simply, a Perfect 10. |
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Programs: Dare to Dream No Deposit/No Return Going for the Gold T.R.Y. (Take Risks Yourself) |
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