Brad Snyder began his professional career as an Ensign in the US Navy, having graduated from the US Naval Academy with a degree in Naval Architecture. Through his distinction as the swim team captain during his final year, he earned an assignment as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer. Snyder deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008, and deployed again two years later to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After six months of assault operations, Snyder was severely injured by the explosion of a nearby improvised explosive device (IED).

Snyder sustained complete vision loss as a result of the explosion, but did not suffer any other lasting wounds. As a part of his rehabilitation process Snyder returned to the pool, and after a few months of training earned a spot on the US Paralympic National Team for swimming. At the 2012 Paralympics he competed in seven events, earning two Gold medals and one Silver medal. His victory in the 400 meter freestyle occurred on the 7th of September, 2012, which marked exactly one year from the day he suffered his vision loss.

Snyder medically retired from Naval service in 2013, and three years later returned to the Paralympic Games, this time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Snyder competed in five events, earning three Gold medals, one Silver medal, and broke a World Record that had stood for over thirty years. After Rio, Snyder switched sports to triathlon for a new challenge, and won gold for Team USA at the Tokyo Games. He currently own six gold medals, two silver medals and one world record.

When he’s not training or competing, Snyder serves as a fellow in the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at his alma mater USNA and as a leadership instructor for future naval officers. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy with the intention of becoming a professor. In this role, Snyder hopes to leverage his personal experiences along with his developed expertise to inspire future generations of leaders and warriors. Snyder also serves as an athlete representative on the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Board of Directors, and is the advisory board chair for the Navy Special Operations Foundation.

Snyder’s mission is to study and apply virtue in all aspects of life in order to empower society’s pursuit of happiness. Snyder is married to his soulmate Sara, and the two live in a lovely home in New Jersey.

Military, Veteran Affairs, Olympic Sports, Blind, Blindness, Athlete, Sports, Sports Motivation, Sports Industry, Navy, Swimming & Diving, Overcoming Adversity, Disability, Inspirational, Veteran, Motivational, Olympic Gold Medalist, Sports Speakers, Award-Winning Athlete, Paralympics Teamwork & Teambuilding, Health,