Don't think of what you were, but of what you are and of what you aspire to be.
Wojtek Czyz is a living testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of resilience. Born in Poland in 1980, Wojtek's journey began in earnest in 2001 when he suffered a severe sports injury, just after signing his professional Football Contract, resulting in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. Rather than seeing this as a setback, he turned adversity into opportunity.
Within a short period post his amputation, he set his sights on Paralympic glory. He went on to become a four-time Paralympic gold medallist in athletics and represented Germany in Athens, Beijing and London. His journey in sports didn't end there; he took on the world of freediving and established himself as a current five-time world record holder.
Yet, his athletic aspirations continue to evolve. In a remarkable display of dedication, Wojtek took up Parabadminton with the ambition to represent New Zealand in the Paralympics 2024 in Paris. Starting from scratch, he skyrocketed in rankings, currently standing as the 14th best player globally within just two years.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Wojtek embarked on the ambitious "Sailing4Handicaps" project, spending five years circumnavigating the globe and generously donating 90 prosthetic legs to those in need across various countries.
Outside the world of sports and humanitarian efforts, Wojtek has carved out a niche for himself as a sought-after keynote speaker. With an impressive repertoire of over 300 speeches, he has delivered motivational addresses for industry giants such as Deutsche Bank, Audi, and BMW, among many others. His talks not only recount his personal journey but also serve as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and determination for countless individuals, proving that with tenacity and vision, any obstacle can be transformed into a stepping stone for greater achievements.
Talking Points
The Power of Perspective: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Wojtek Czyz's life is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human resilience and determination. From a devastating sports injury that led to amputation, to standing tall as a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, Wojtek's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. In this compelling keynote, he takes us through the pivotal moments of his life: his pursuit of world records in freediving, the ambitious 'sailing4handicaps' initiative that saw him circumnavigate the globe donating prosthetic limbs, and his intense transition into the competitive world of parabadminton with an aim to represent New Zealand at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Wojtek's narrative seamlessly integrates his experiences with Deutsche Bank, Audi, BMW, and countless other organizations, offering invaluable insights on perseverance, adaptability, and the transformative power of perspective. This talk is not just about celebrating accomplishments; it's about understanding that with the right mindset, we can turn our greatest challenges into our most outstanding opportunities.
The Power of Perspective: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
