Entrepreneur. Ironman.
Parkinson’s Fighter.
Motivational Speaker.
“Don’t wish for an easy life—wish for the strength to endure a meaningful one. The path without obstacles leads nowhere worth going. Face the storm, not to survive it, but to become something stronger because of it.”
Greg Schaefer
Keep racing forward when life doesn’t go as planned
Greg Schaefer is an endurance athlete and keynote speaker who brings raw honesty, discipline, and perspective forged under real pressure. A former Division I basketball player and an 19-time Ironman competitor, he understands what it takes to perform at the highest levels. In 2023, Greg was diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease and chose to lean in rather than step back. Drawing lessons from elite competition, building something from nothing, and confronting life’s hardest turns, he delivers more than inspiration. His story bridges sport, leadership, and health, showing how grit and adaptability can turn adversity into fuel. Greg equips audiences with practical tools to endure, lead, and keep racing forward when life doesn’t go as planned.
Greg Schaefer
In the news
4 Athletes Share Their 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Championship Journeys
For those who toe the start line, a world championship is never just a race—it’s a reckoning. Months of sacrifice, self-doubt, and relentless preparation converge in a single day that tests far more than physical fitness. The Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Marbella was one such moment, leaving a lasting imprint on every athlete who dared to take it on. Greg Schaefer was one of four athletes profiled in this interview, each offering a powerful perspective on what it truly means to push beyond perceived limits.
Greg Schaefer on Building Mental Grit, Betting on Yourself, and the Entrepreneur’s Endurance Mindset – Culture Leaders with Dr. Jessica Kriegel
In this conversation, Greg shares how the discipline and mindset forged through endurance sports have shaped his entrepreneurial path. From start lines to strategy calls, Greg’s story is one of inner drive, calculated risk, and the belief that you can go further than you think.
Why I Rise with JM Kenny and Vinny: Greg Schaefer embodies relentless perseverance.
A 19-time Ironman competitor, with six full-distance races and two Kona World Championship qualifications, he’s set to conquer the 2025 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain. Beyond the finish line, Greg faced his toughest challenge: a 2023 Parkinson’s diagnosis. With his signature “dog in the fight” mentality, he transformed this obstacle into a mission to inspire. Greg’s raw, optimistic storytelling ignites audiences, proving that every step forward, no matter the odds, fuels a life of purpose.
