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John Naber        

Olympic Swimming Champion & Network TV Sports Commentator

John Naber became Americas most decorated athlete at the 1976 Games in Montreal, winning four gold and one silver medal. He set four world records in swimming at those games, which lasted an amazing seven years after his retirement. He was also the first swimmer in history to win two individual Olympic medals on the same day of competition.

In 1977, Naber led his school (USC Trojans) to his and their fourth undefeated season and national title, while earning a record 10 individual titles and five relay crowns. He also earned the sports high point award (Robert Kiputh Award) on three occasions and earned the 1977 James E. Sullivan Award as Americas top amateur athlete.

Naber was inducted into four Halls of Fame, served as a board member on the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, and carried the Olympic Flag into the 1984 Opening Ceremonies in Los Angeles, and was selected to carry the Olympic Flame in three different Olympic Torch Relays.

After his retirement from swimming, Naber quickly entered the broadcasting field, serving as an expert analyst, play-by-play host or sideline reporter for over 35 different sports, filing reports at eight Olympic Games. He has worked for all major networks and most cable outlets during the past twenty-five years.

As an observer of excellence, Naber shares the stories of his athletic triumphs as parables to achieving excellence in ones personal area of emphasis. His keynote address, The Olympic Gold Medal Process has been heard by audiences of 25 to 25,000. Each customized speech includes humor and Olympic anecdotes that inspire and entertain, and always receive rave reviews and standing ovations. Requests for repeat performances and outstanding letters of referral attest to his ability to add value to any meeting.

John Naber also serves as the chairman of Character Counts! Sports, an organization devoted to sports-based character education that teaches ethics and character development to schools, clubs and other community organizations.

His book, Awaken the Olympian Within: Stories from Americas Greatest Olympic Motivators (2000, Naber & Assoc./Griffin Publishing, Softcover, 288 Pages) is sold online and in stores nationwide. Naber also is a contributing author to The Power of Character (1998, Jossey-Bass Inc. Publishers, Hardcover, 320 Pages).

Speech Topics

An “Observer of Excellence”

During Naber’s climb to the top of the sports world and his subsequent role as a TV sports commentator and host, John has become an observer of excellence and outstanding motivational speaker. He has worked as a Master of Ceremonies, keynote speaker, seminar leader, panelist, moderator, and dinner speaker for small audiences of twenty to full auditoriums of 50,000.

Awaken The Olympian Within (Workshop)

What would it be worth to your companys bottom line, if each of your corporate team members began behaving with the focus, discipline, work ethic, tenacity and team spirit of an Olympic athlete? Awaken the Olympian Within is a fun and challenging way to renew the competitive spirit inside your company. This interactive program of fast paced activities with a purpose will bring out the best in your managers, sales force or front line personnel with contests of skill that teach the lessons that are pertinent to your particular situation. This half- or full-day program (customized to your companys needs and priorities) will help your staff by awakening the Olympian Within, to relearn the lessons of results-oriented thinking.

Character-Driven Accomplishment

Winning doesnt have to be sacrificed, when we decide to play by the rules. Good guys dont always have to finish last. Heres how people can remain competitive in todays cutthroat business environment, without sacrificing their ethics and character. Its another way of looking at the ethical dilemmas we face every day. "Olympic champions are not extraordinary people; they are ordinary people who have accomplished some extraordinary things in the area of their lives that matter most to them."John Naber .

Motivation: The Feeling Before the Achievement

Some people are moved by money, others: fame, and still others: power. What do all these factors have in common? They begin with a desire for a particular feeling. Here are a few exercises anyone can use, to get more from themselves and their team and increase the likelihood of success and how to get others to try harder..

Teamwork in a Competitive World

In many cases, the greatest challenge to an Olympians hope for the gold is often a fellow countryman. How do the great Olympic athletes achieve excellence without losing the ability to be good team players? Learn how your people can lift the whole division/company, while still seeking individual glory..

Discipline: Keeping the Promises You Make to Yourself

Every Olympian must have it, but not every Olympian uses it outside their sport. What is this magic ingredient and how can people amplify its effect on a daily basis? A handful of skills can make any uphill climb that much easier. By keeping focused on the goal, the price is more easily paid..

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The Gold Medal Performance: Seeing Your Dreams Come True

What do the Olympians go through on their way to the awards platform? How can you feel like youre "going for the gold" in your field? This eight step process, using humor and Olympic analogies, will help anyone reach their own personal and professional goals..

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News

JOHN NABER TO HOST USA NATIONAL TEAM ALUMNI PARTY AT THE US OPEN
If you are a USA National Team Alum, and you live in Southern California or you are attending the US Open Championships, then this message is for you. John Naber, 4-time Olympic gold medalist, is hosting a USA National Team Alumni Social.

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