Short Biography

From All-American track star to amputee to Paralympic medalist – John Register has never allowed adversity hold him back.  He hurdled his adversity in leaps and bounds, and challenges his audiences to do the same as they create their new normal.A dynamic, engaging speaker, Register commands his listeners’ attention with a mix of humor, emotion and enthusiasm.  His relatable anecdotes about growing up are applicable to any audience.  While his stories are presented in an amusing fashion- the life lessons to be learned and the outcomes achieved are easily recognized and powerful, with a lasting impact.

“One word sums up John Register, “WOW!” For businesses wanting to energize their team(s) to deliver exponential results, John’s amazing journey of overcoming adversity is authentic; his delivery style is warm and personable commanding the room; and his message inspires and sticks.” Gib Hedstrom, Program Director, The Conference Board.

A born athlete, John was a collegiate four time All-American long jumper, hurdler, and 4x400m relay specialist at University of Arkansas.  He twice qualified for the Olympic Trials — once in the 110m high hurdles and then in the 400m intermediate hurdles.

Register enlisted in the U.S. Army to further his track pursuits, but his training time was interrupted by Operation Desert Storm.  He deployed for seven months to Southwest Asia– an eye-opening experience he would never trade.

On May 17, 1994, Register suffered a crippling injury that resulted in the amputation of his left leg.  Though the injury dashed his hopes of making the Olympic team and permanently cancelled his Officer Candidate School report date, he refused to give up. Just 18 months later, he competed in the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Ga as a swimmer anchoring the 4×100 medley relay!

Two years later, he returned to his first athletic love- track and field- and qualified for the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia, and long jumped straight into the history books by winning the Silver medal and setting the American record in the process, all while becoming one of only two athletes in the world at that time to have jumped further than 17’8″ feet without a leg or knee.

His courage in the face of uncertainty has inspired audiences both young and old, and he has been featured on numerous television shows, such as “Morning Blend” with former host Soledad O’Brien, “It’s a Miracle” with host Richard Thomas, “The Weekend Today Show” and “The Edge” with former host Paula Zahn!

In 2007, he was appointed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as one of eight members to advise the Secretary on Foreign Policy Issues regarding disability. He continued to serve in this capacity under Secretary Hillary Clinton (another Razorback).

John’s reliability, attitude, reputation and skill as a speaker and motivator have solidified him as one of the best in his industry. His unique ability to weave the lessons of his life’s challenges and triumphs through his keynotes and training seminars to empower, encourage and impact are unmatched, and will inspire you to believe that you can do anything you set your mind to!

His client list include business powerhouses such as BP, Deloitte, and Re/Max.

So get ready, buckle in, and take a ride on an inspiration journey with John, as he takes you on a cruise through setting your Vision and leads you through an Inspirational cycle to Motivate you to Act– with intention- for the Results in your life that will inspire others and thereby Inspire the world!

You too can Hurdle Adversity and Empower Life, to create life’s new normal.

To inquire about booking John to inspire your teams at your next event please fill out the short questionnaire.

Go forth and inspire your world!