Carly Patterson
Olympic Gold Medalist, Member of USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame
SPEAKER FEE RANGE: $10,000–$20,000 [FEE NOTE]
TRAVELS FROM: Texas
At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Carly Patterson became the first American gymnast in 20 years to win the All-Around Olympic Gold medal and the first American to win the All-Around in a non-boycotted Olympic Games. Carly has inspired thousands of people by sharing her story of dedication and hard work. In her keynote address, Carly shares how she redefined success through three principles she learned as a championship-level gymnast and in the years that followed. Carly’s authentic, humorous, and down-to-earth communication style is the perfect vehicle for a message that students, athletes, and professionals need to hear in order to embrace true success and find lasting fulfillment.
Carly captured the heart of the nation when she won the All Around Gold Medal in Women’s Gymnastics at the 2004 Olympics. She was the first American woman to win the title in 20 years, also taking home silver medals for balance beam, and the Women’s team competition. She was also the first woman ever to win the All Around Gold Medal in Women's Gymnastics in a non boycotted Olympics.
Carly began gymnastics in 1994, after attending a cousin’s birthday party at Elite Gymnastics in Baton Rouge. Less than a decade later, she made her debut at the senior international elite level, winning back- to-back American Cup titles in 2003 and 2004, as well as the title of 2004 US Co-National Champion. Carly was also a part of the 2003 World Championships team where she won a silver medal in the all-around and helped lead the US to their first ever World Championship team gold medal! It was also at this competition that Carly’s signature beam dismount (an Arabian double front) was officially named the Patterson. A year later, Carly achieved her ultimate goal in gymnastics by earning a trip to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Since the Olympics, Carly appeared on the “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” She also was featured on an NBC special and adorned the front of a Wheaties box. Carly presented an award at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards; was recognized by Glamour Magazine at the 2004 “Women Of The Year” Award; and was honored as the March of Dimes’ “Sportswoman of the Year.”
In 2005, Carly was selected as one of Teen People’s “20 Teens Who Will Change the World;” walked the runway at New York Fashion Week to promote “The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection” to prevent heart disease; was nominated for the Sullivan Award honoring the best amateur athlete; and was nominated for an ESPY Award in the “Best Olympic Performance” category. Carly published a children’s book called “Be Strong” and made an appearance in the movie “Stick It.”
Carly began pursuing a music career after the 2004 Olympics and was signed by Music Mind Records in 2007. Carly released her first single, “Temporary Life” in March 2008 and her second single, “Time to Wake Up”, in Feb. 2009. Carly’s CD, “Back To The Beginning”, was released August 2009. Her song, “Here I Am”, was used for advertisement for the 2010 season of the TV show “Make It or Break It.” In addition, Carly made an appearance in the 2010 season of “Make It or Break It.”
Carly has continued to work with USA Gymnastics doing promotion and events with them, gymnastics camps and competitions helping inspire young gymnasts and also working with the United States Olympic Committee.
Carly has been involved in many charitable causes such as Special Olympics, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network as well as numerous other local Dallas-based charitable causes. Carly works closely with a local Dallas charity, Taylor’s Gift foundation and they help bring awareness about organ donation.
Career Highlights Include:
2004 Olympic Gold Medalist: All-Around
2004 Olympic Silver Medalist: Team
2004 Olympic Silver Medalist: Beam
2004 U.S. National Co-Champion
2004 Visa American Cup Champion
2003 World Championships: Gold Medal Team
2003 World Championships: Silver Medal All-Around
2003 Visa American Cup Champion
2002 U.S. Junior National Champion
Carly began gymnastics in 1994, after attending a cousin’s birthday party at Elite Gymnastics in Baton Rouge. Less than a decade later, she made her debut at the senior international elite level, winning back- to-back American Cup titles in 2003 and 2004, as well as the title of 2004 US Co-National Champion. Carly was also a part of the 2003 World Championships team where she won a silver medal in the all-around and helped lead the US to their first ever World Championship team gold medal! It was also at this competition that Carly’s signature beam dismount (an Arabian double front) was officially named the Patterson. A year later, Carly achieved her ultimate goal in gymnastics by earning a trip to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Since the Olympics, Carly appeared on the “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” She also was featured on an NBC special and adorned the front of a Wheaties box. Carly presented an award at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards; was recognized by Glamour Magazine at the 2004 “Women Of The Year” Award; and was honored as the March of Dimes’ “Sportswoman of the Year.”
In 2005, Carly was selected as one of Teen People’s “20 Teens Who Will Change the World;” walked the runway at New York Fashion Week to promote “The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection” to prevent heart disease; was nominated for the Sullivan Award honoring the best amateur athlete; and was nominated for an ESPY Award in the “Best Olympic Performance” category. Carly published a children’s book called “Be Strong” and made an appearance in the movie “Stick It.”
Carly began pursuing a music career after the 2004 Olympics and was signed by Music Mind Records in 2007. Carly released her first single, “Temporary Life” in March 2008 and her second single, “Time to Wake Up”, in Feb. 2009. Carly’s CD, “Back To The Beginning”, was released August 2009. Her song, “Here I Am”, was used for advertisement for the 2010 season of the TV show “Make It or Break It.” In addition, Carly made an appearance in the 2010 season of “Make It or Break It.”
Carly has continued to work with USA Gymnastics doing promotion and events with them, gymnastics camps and competitions helping inspire young gymnasts and also working with the United States Olympic Committee.
Carly has been involved in many charitable causes such as Special Olympics, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network as well as numerous other local Dallas-based charitable causes. Carly works closely with a local Dallas charity, Taylor’s Gift foundation and they help bring awareness about organ donation.
Career Highlights Include:
2004 Olympic Gold Medalist: All-Around
2004 Olympic Silver Medalist: Team
2004 Olympic Silver Medalist: Beam
2004 U.S. National Co-Champion
2004 Visa American Cup Champion
2003 World Championships: Gold Medal Team
2003 World Championships: Silver Medal All-Around
2003 Visa American Cup Champion
2002 U.S. Junior National Champion
- From Best to Better
What does it take to reach the pinnacle of success? Then, what does it take to get better? Not only will you learn practical insights from Olympic Gold medal gymnast, Carly Patterson, you will be drawn into a story of resilience, winning in a competitive environment and enjoying the journey along the way. Carly went on to apply the same drive and determination that took her to the highest podium to becoming a recording artist, entrepreneur and mom. Her speech, From Best to Better, is an experience of excellence, reinvention and peace of mind.
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