Louis Zamperini Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Louis Zamperini was a man whose life story epitomized resilience, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit. Born on January 26, 1917, in Olean, New York, Louis was the son of Italian immigrants and grew up in Torrance, California. His early years were marked by mischief and defiance, but his boundless energy found a channel in running. By his teenage years, Louis had become a track sensation, setting a world interscholastic record for the mile at the age of 19, a record that stood for over 20 years. His exceptional speed earned him a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in 1936, where he competed in Berlin and finished impressively in the 5000 meters. World War II abruptly changed the course of Louis's life. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1941 and served as a bombardier in the Pacific theater. In 1943, his bomber crashed into the ocean during a search mission. Louis, along with two other crewmen, survived on a life raft for 47 harrowing days, enduring exposure, sharks, and enemy attacks. Their ordeal didnÕt end there; upon reaching land, Louis was captured by the Japanese Navy and spent over two years in brutal prison camps. His will to survive these unthinkable trials became the cornerstone of his life's story. After the war, Louis faced a new battle with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism, but he found peace through faith. In the early 1950s, a chance encounter with Reverend Billy Graham led to his conversion to Christianity. Louis devoted his life to helping others, working with troubled youth and offering his story as a beacon of hope and perseverance. His transformative journey from a rebellious youth to an Olympic athlete, war hero, and finally a motivational speaker, has inspired millions. In his later years, Louis continued to share his experiences with audiences around the world. His message was clear: never give up, no matter what challenges life throws your way. His life was immortalized in the bestselling book "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand and the subsequent film adaptation directed by Angelina Jolie, bringing his incredible story to an even broader audience. Louis Zamperini passed away on July 2, 2014, but his legacy continues to uplift and inspire. Through his speeches, Louis Zamperini conveyed the power of endurance and hope. He connected with people from all walks of life, reminding them that inner strength can overcome even the most daunting of obstacles. His life story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, making him a compelling and inspirational keynote speaker.