Why Book Mark Allen?
Why Book Mark Allen?
The Ironman Triathlon is the most difficult one-day sporting event in the world. It starts with a 2.4-mile ocean swim, followed by 112 grueling miles of cycling, and then finishes with a 26.2-mile marathon in the heat of the tropical sun. For most of the 1,500 men and women who compete in the Ironman crossing the finish line amounts to a victory.
Mark had a different destiny…
His first six attempts, all losses, were casualties of everything from flat tires to internal bleeding. Yet each defeat served to galvanize his commitment to fulfilling his dream of becoming the Ironman Champion. Finally on his seventh attempt Mark won, beating Dave Scott in triathlon’s greatest race ever.
Allen went on to win a total of six Ironman titles in six attempts. His final victory came at the age of 37, making him the oldest champion ever in this incredibly challenging event! Mark completed a 15-year career in the world of elite athletics with a 90% top-three finish record and going undefeated in 20 races over a three year span from 1988-1990. He was named “Triathlete of the Year” six times, and after retiring in 1996 was called “The World’s Fittest Man” by Outside magazine.
Still living the principles that enabled him to turn adversity into success, Mark was recently awarded the highest ranking any speaker ever receives from the Northwestern Financial Network for a keynote address he gave to their advisors. Mark works for NBC Sports as an expert analyst each year at the Ironman and provided commentary at the Sydney Olympics for triathlon’s debut at the Games.
Mark is also an award winning author for the recently released book titled Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You that he co-authored with Brant Secunda. They received the prestigious Nautilus Book Award in the category of Health, Healing and Energetic Medicine in 2010.
Accompanied by dramatic race footage, Mark’s compelling and inspiring keynote presentation incorporates strategies for dealing with change and unexpected challenge, addresses how to come back when success seems impossible, and clearly emphasizes the importance of doing the work required to become a champion and achieve high levels of success.
“Thanks again for being with us. Your message (overcoming adversity, hard work does pay off, stick to what you know works, etc.) is one that we all should hear at least once each year. By the way, your speaker score was … outstanding.”
“Your talk was VERY well received … Everyone left feeling very motivated and inspired. Clearly you hit the mark and made an impact on people.”
“Mark was fantastic! Our group really enjoyed his message and meeting him. Thanks again for making the whole thing an enjoyable process.”
