Get Out from Under the Train

“If you make it up in your mind and heart that you are going to get up, that you won’t be defined by your situation, I bet next year you’ll be up on this stage telling your story.” – April Holmes

As a U.S. Paralympic Athlete, April Holmes knows what it’s like to face adversity. After a train accident where she lost her left leg, April turned her focus to Paralympic track and field and advocating for people with disabilities.

April has used her voice to speak up for herself and others. She was named one of the “Top 10 Women in Sport” by the International Paralympic Committee, was awarded the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Spirit Award, and spoke at the United Nations Sport & Social Impact Summit. She also recently spoke at the 2019 National Speech & Debate Education Conference.

The message April shared about her experience fighting when it seemed the world was against her is all too relevant to anyone who feels like they can’t succeed. Watch April’s speech to see what she had to say to speech and debate competitors and educators about fighting back and finding success.