Images Courtesy of
John Naber

Athlete

John Naber became America’s 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 sport’s high point award (Robert Kiputh Award) on three occasions, and earned the 1977 James E. Sullivan Award as America’s top amateur athlete.

Other Honors

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.

Broadcaster

After his retirement from swimming, Naber quickly entered the broadcasting field, serving as 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.

Speaker

As an observer of excellence, Naber shares the stories of his athletic triumphs as parables to achieving excellence in one’s 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.

Workshop

Naber’s newest program is called “Awaken the Olympian Within” and features the participation of various locally based Olympians who join in this interactive a half-day seminar. The workshop features a “mock-Olympics” that includes non-athletic contests that teach various life skills.

Character

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.

Author

His book, “Awaken the Olympian Within: Stories from America’s 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).

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