2004, 2008, 2012 Paralympian - United States

@AprilHolmes - Twitter / 1FastAmp - Instagram / www.AprilHolmes.com

STATUS: Rio 2016 Paralympic Hopeful

 

Raised with a hard work ethic, which she has honed with a will of steel, April Holmes has redefined what it means to be disabled. April was involved in a train accident in 2001 that resulted in the loss of her left leg below the knee. While she lay in her hospital bed, a doctor told her about the Paralympic Games and three goals were firmly implanted in her mind. She desired to wear the USA uniform. She wanted to break world records. She was determined to win gold medals.

Since her career in Paralympic track & field began in 2002, Holmes has continued to succeed, improving each and every step of the way. She has broken IPC World Records fourteen times and American Records eighteen times in the 100, 200, 400 meters and the long jump. Over her astonishing career, April has put together several undefeated seasons, and her first Paralympic gold medal in the 100 meters at the 2008 Beijing Games. Speed and quickness are her best friends as she continues to break her own world records every season. With a commanding lead over the growing field of competitors, Holmes continues to captivate track enthusiast with her grace and style. April put on the USA uniform again at the 2012 Paralympics in London and after a photo finish was awarded bronze in the 100 meters in front of a sold-out arena.

Off the track, Holmes runs the April Holmes Foundation, Inc. a non-profit organization assisting people with physical and learning disabilities with scholarships and medical equipment. Having completed her MBA in Marketing, Holmes uses her education to improve the awareness of people with disabilities. April was recently named by the International Paralympic Committee’s “Top 10 Women in Paralympic Sport, a US Paralympic & US Anti-Doping Ambassador, and has assisted First Lady Michelle Obama on the “Let’s Move” Campaign.

April is a well-sought after speaker and enjoys opportunities to share her life and GOLD medal with others. She has electrified audiences with messages of motivation, diversity, leadership, and marketing. Some of her clients include Deloitte, Disney, The Jordan Brand, Hartford Insurance, and BMW. April also assists companies in Olympic-Theme sporting days to enhance the core values of teamwork, determination, discipline, and goal setting.

April with her Beijing 2008 Gold medal and her Jordan Spikes.

 Given her expertise, education, and athletic achievements, Holmes has been featured on multiple media outlets including NBC Today Show, CBS Early Morning, Fox, ESPN, BBC, Forbes, and Oprah’s “O” Magazine. “Communicating Your Greatness” remains a staple in her life on the track and in the corporate workspace.

Ms. Holmes recently co-authored her first book with Brian Tracy entitled, “The Winning Way” fulfilling her dream of many years to become a published author. The book hit Amazon’s Best Sellers List. Her second book, “Stop Limping Thru Life, Start Running” will be on bookshelves in the fall.