Melissa Stockwell

Summer Paralympian | Triathlon | Speaker

A patriot, Purple Heart recipient, Paralympic medalist, 4-time Paralympian, Ironman, mother, author, nonprofit co-founder and business owner

Melissa is a retired U.S. Army First Lieutenant and the first female American soldier to lose a limb during active duty in Iraq. She went on to compete in four Summer Paralympic Games, winning a bronze medal in triathlon. Melissa proudly shares her story of resilience with audiences around the globe.

A four-time Paralympian and Paralympic medalist, Melissa was honored to carry the American flag in the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 Paralympic Games. Originally from the Midwest, Melissa now resides in Colorado Springs with her husband and two children, Dallas and Millie.

ABOUT Melissa

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

A proud recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Melissa has dedicated her life to inspiring others through her story of resilience and determination.

After retiring from the Army, Melissa cofounded Dare2Tri, a nonprofit that introduces people with disabilities to the sport of triathlon. Her autobiography, “The Power of Choice,” was published in 2020.

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• 4x Paralympian
• Paralympic bronze medalist in paratriathlon
• 3x World Champion in paratriathlon
• 2022 World Championship silver medalist
• World record holder, Boston Marathon

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SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Melissa Stockwell shares her powerful story of resilience and overcoming obstacles. She inspires audiences to persevere, embrace the power of choice, and realize their full potential. Melissa’s journey demonstrates how she has achieved more on one leg than she ever thought possible on two.

Through emotionally powerful storytelling, Melissa leaves audiences forever changed—encouraging them to see ability rather than disability and focus on maximizing what they do have instead of what they don’t. Her

SPEAKER THEMES

• The power of choice
• Resilience
• Teamwork

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TESTIMONIALS

“Melissa ignited the flame inside all of us, and helped influence a mindset of positive thinking and reflection on life and the importance of teamwork.”

"I can say with all honesty that Melissa is probably the best keynote speaker/motivational speaker we've had. Her story is phenomenal, but she delivers it in such a gentle and humble way that really makes it hit home.”

"Melissa’s story drives home an important message: Success is driven by focusing on what you do have as opposed to what you don’t. What Melissa has already accomplished in her life is remarkable and it is clear her best is yet to come."

WHO WE’VE WORKED WITH