Bart Conner Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Bart Conner, born on March 28, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, is one of America's most celebrated male gymnasts. His journey into gymnastics began serendipitously during a grade school gym class, where his natural aptitude for acrobatics quickly became evident. Encouraged by his parents, Conner explored various sports, but it was gymnastics that truly captured his passion. By age 10, he commenced formal training, and his dedication led him to become a standout talent in the sport. Conner's competitive career is distinguished by a series of groundbreaking achievements. He is the only American male gymnast to have secured gold medals at every level of national and international competition, including the USA Championships, NCAA Championships, Pan-American Games, World Championships, World Cup, and the Olympics. Notably, he was a member of the U.S. Olympic teams in 1976, 1980, and 1984. At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, after overcoming a significant biceps injury, Conner delivered a flawless performance on the parallel bars, earning a perfect 10 and clinching a gold medal. He also played a pivotal role in leading the U.S. team to its first gold medal in the men's all-around event in over eight decades. Following his competitive career, Conner transitioned into roles that continued to influence the gymnastics community positively. He pursued a degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 1984, and subsequently partnered with his coach, Paul Ziert, to establish several gymnastics-related enterprises. Among these is the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy in Norman, Oklahoma, where over 1,000 gymnasts train across various skill levels. Additionally, they acquired International GYMNAST magazine and founded Grips, Etc., a company specializing in gymnastics equipment and apparel. Conner's personal life is intertwined with gymnastics royalty; in 1996, he married Romanian Olympic champion Nadia Comăneci in a ceremony held in Bucharest, Romania. The couple welcomed their son, Dylan Paul Conner, in 2006. Together, they are actively involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics International, where Conner serves on the Executive Board. He also holds positions such as Chairman of the Board for the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame and advisory board member for the University of Oklahoma's College of International Studies. Beyond his business ventures, Conner has maintained a prominent presence as a television commentator, public speaker, and advocate for healthy lifestyles. He has contributed his expertise to various networks, providing insightful commentary on gymnastics events, and has appeared in films related to the sport. His enduring commitment to gymnastics and his broader community involvement continue to inspire and influence new generations of athletes and enthusiasts alike.