Dan Jansen

Dan Jansen is a 1994 Olympic gold medalist, U.S. Olympic Hall of Famer, and one of America’s most compelling motivational speakers whose decade-long journey through heartbreak to triumph on the ice embodies the power of perseverance, resilience, and never giving up on your dreams.

A Champion’s Journey Through Heartbreak

Jansen dominated speed skating as a seven-time Overall World Cup Champion, two-time World Sprint Champion, and eight-time world record holder. Yet Olympic gold eluded him through three consecutive Games. At the 1988 Calgary Olympics, hours before his race, he learned his beloved sister Jane had died of leukemia. Despite competing through unimaginable grief, he fell in both events. Heartbreak followed again at the 1992 Albertville Games. Finally, at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, in the last race of his career, Jansen won gold in the 1,000 meters with a world-record time, and not a dry eye remained in the arena.

Inspiring Others to Reach Their Personal Gold

Jansen received the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award as the outstanding amateur athlete in America and was chosen by his fellow Olympians to carry the U.S. flag at the closing ceremonies. His autobiography, Full Circle, chronicles his remarkable journey. Since retiring from competition, he has served as NBC’s speed skating analyst and established the Dan Jansen Foundation to support leukemia research and youth sports programs. His keynotes share the principles of positive attitude, strength, and perseverance that carried him through years of setbacks to ultimately achieve his lifelong dream.

Going For The Gold

With humor, sensitivity and candor, Jansen outlines the principles that supported him through the process of dealing with his losses and overcoming his obstacles, a process that he now understands is one of growth. The lessons he has learned from his own life experiences are the foundation of the life he lives today.