Nikki Stone

At the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, Nikki Stone became America’s first-ever Olympic Champion in the sport of inverted aerial skiing. This achievement was particularly remarkable considering that less than two years earlier, a severe spinal injury had threatened not only her skiing career but also her ability to walk. Stone’s determination led her not only to recover but also to excel at the highest level of her sport.

Throughout her career, Stone has accrued impressive accolades including 35 World Cup medals, eleven World Cup titles, four national titles, two yearlong Aerial World Cup titles, and a World Championship title. She is the first pure aerialist, male or female, to become the yearlong Overall Freestyle World Cup Champion. Her resilience and success have made her a symbol of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness against the odds.

Stone now travels globally as a highly respected inspirational speaker, sharing her journey and strategies for success, resilience, and leadership. She has delivered impactful presentations to a wide range of audiences, including corporate giants like Microsoft, Google, and Procter & Gamble. In her talks, Stone emphasizes the importance of setting and achieving personal goals, embodying persistence, and harnessing a winning attitude to foster team cohesion and leadership. Her popular speaking topics include "The Champion’s Path to Leadership and Drive," "Building a Winning Team," and "The Art of Adapting to Change & Adversity Comeback."

Additionally, Stone has authored the bestselling book "When Turtles Fly: Secrets of Successful People Who Know How to Stick Their Necks Out," which features inspirational stories and practical activities to motivate and guide readers towards their own successes. She has appeared on major television programs like "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," and "Late Night with David Letterman" to discuss her book and share her insights. Stone also contributes to various publications and has a segment called Motivational Minutes on YouTube, where she offers tips on peak performance and wellness.

Stone holds a Magna Cum Laude undergraduate degree from Union College in New York and a Summa Cum Laude Master’s degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Utah, where she was voted “Student of the Year.” She has served as a Visiting Professor at the university, teaching leadership. Furthermore, Stone is actively involved with several charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Residing between Hilton Head, SC, and Park City, Utah, Stone continues to inspire and guide others, whether through her speaking engagements, educational efforts, or charitable activities, helping individuals and organizations to navigate challenges and realize their full potential.