Cliff Meidl
Former Olympian, Cliff’s Life Changed Forever On A Construction Site Operating A Jackhammer, When He Made Contact With Three Live Electrical Cables, Suffering Cardiac Arrest Due To The Severe Electrical Shock.
Billions saw Cliff Meidl’s sports comeback when the American kayaker led Team USA at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Sydney. His story of how he survived a near-death accident when he was 20 touched many hearts.
Cliff nearly died when he was operating a jackhammer on a construction site in 1986 and contacted three live electrical cables. He went into cardiac arrest, sustained major burns over 15 percent of his body and had damage to both knees with 30 percent of each knee compartment disintegrated.
After treatment and partial recovery, an UCLA Medical Center plastic surgeon developed an innovative procedure that saved Cliff’s legs.
He worked for 10 years to achieve the dream of marching in the Opening Ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta as a USA Olympic Kayaking Team member. He competed again in Sydney, this time chosen to carry the flag during the march into the stadium. Cliff was also selected as one of the 20 all-time inspirational Olympians for the “Olympian Heroes Series.” He speaks on issues of safety, inspiration, motivation and overcoming adversity.
The Fire Within!
“Dynamic, impactful and memorable are three words I would use to describe Cliff Meild’s story and to describe Cliff himself. Whether you need a motivational speaker, someone to illustrate the importance of safety or overcoming adversity Cliff’s message is what you need. He captivates his audience, tailoring his uplifting story, to delivering his message in an effective way. No matter the age of those hearing the message, or their position within your company or organization, you can’t help but feel uplifted and full of hope and motivation.”
Georgia 811
“Cliff spent five days traveling to Questar facilities delivering what our employees thought was going to be just a safety message. Cliff’s message was so much more. Cliff told of his accident and talked about the consequences of an unsafe environment but his inspirational message was spectacular. Our employees couldn’t get enough. He is living proof of the power of the human spirit and of never giving up. I would highly recommend Cliff to any organization.”
Questar Corporation
“It has been an honor and privilege to work with Cliff Meidl on a number of events during the last three years. Quite simply, he is a compelling speaker who is focused on preventing others from experiencing a fatality or serious injury such as he experienced. However, Cliff also motivates his audiences to aspire to be the best and safest employees and people that they can be. I can’t think of a better advocate for underground damage prevention and the Call 811 message.”
One Call Concepts, Inc.
Delta Air Lines
Bridgestone Corporation
Polo Ralph Lauren
Dominion Resources
Chevron
Chesapeake Region Safety Council
Clark Construction
Marathon Pipe Line
National Electrical Contractors Association
Shell
Questar
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