Brad Snyder Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Bradley Warren Snyder, born February 29, 1984, in Reno, Nevada, is a retired U.S. Navy officer, Paralympic gold medalist, and advocate for leadership and resilience. Raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, he developed a passion for swimming at a young age. Snyder continued his athletic pursuits at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 2006 with a degree in Naval Architecture and served as captain of the swim team. Following graduation, Snyder became an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officer in the Navy. In 2011, during a deployment to Afghanistan, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in the loss of both eyes. Despite this life-altering injury, Snyder's determination led him to the pool as part of his rehabilitation. Within a year, he qualified for the 2012 London Paralympic Games, where he won two gold medals and one silver in swimming events. He continued his success at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, earning three gold medals and one silver, and setting a world record in the 100-meter freestyle. In 2018, Snyder transitioned to paratriathlon, aiming to challenge himself further. His dedication paid off at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, where he secured gold in the men's paratriathlon, becoming the first U.S. man to win gold in a triathlon event at the Paralympics. Beyond his athletic achievements, Snyder is committed to ethical leadership and education. He serves as the Deputy Director of the Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he also contributes as a fellow. Snyder is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy at Princeton University and holds a master's degree in International Relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He is a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar and serves on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee's Board of Directors. Snyder resides in Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife, Sara, and their daughter, Rooney.