Cliff Meidl
Motivational Speaker, Author, Olympian
Learn about Cliff's devastating accident, his difficult recovery,
and his dramatic rise to Olympic stardom — and beyond.
Cliff leads by example. His message is one of daring, hope, and determination
to learn, re-adapt,
persevere and
succeed — even amid the worst of circumstances.
to learn, re-adapt,
persevere and
succeed — even amid the worst of circumstances.
Cliff's engaging story, compelling advice, and personable style make for an unforgettable presentation that deeply inspires and motivates all audiences.
THE MEIDL EMBLEM was inspired by Cliff Meidl—his amazing story of heroism in the face of tragedy and despair, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his ideals.
Cliff's life journey has been unique, to say the least. Still, we can all relate to him. Who is free from life's difficulties and struggles? Who doesn't rejoice in achieving their dreams? Who doesn't suffer when life hits them hard?
Indeed, the Meidl Emblem represents all of us. For Cliff's life, as tough and as wonderful as it's been, feels like a metaphor for our own.
THE LIGHTNING BOLTS represent Cliff's electrical accident —and our own difficulties. They illustrate how adversity often "strikes us down."
• Placed at the bottom-center of the field, the bolts mark the beginning of Cliff's unexpected journey of struggle and self-discovery.
• The bolts together form two letters "V", one outlined on the inside, the other, on the outside. The inside V stands for Valor, because courage is exactly what's needed to take the first steps in overcoming difficulty.
• The outside V stands for Victory. Cliff's first Victory after his accident—learning how to walk again—motivated and led him on to further successes.
THE PHOENIX. Like the mythical bird, Cliff was able to "rise from the ashes" of his terrible ordeal and embark on a life-long journey of growth and success.
• The Phoenix has countless feathers. Without them it would be impossible to take flight. They represent the myriad people and our community who help us get through our own adversities.
• Cliff's feathers include: his parents, his brother Norman, Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy who saved his legs from amputation, his nurses, coaches, teachers, and so many others. We all need feathers.
• The Phoenix is in constant and upward movement, with an open eye toward its ultimate goal—the Stars.
THE TWO RINGS. For Cliff, they represent the two Olympic Games in which he took part: Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000.
• The Rings also symbolize the two kinds of challenges, good and bad, we all face as we journey through life.
• Some challenges we seek; others come to us unwanted. Either way, we grow when we confront challenges with dignity and determination. And when we are blessed with victory, we get a legitimate sense of joy, pride and accomplishment.
• Overcoming challenges, however, ought not be considered an ultimate goal in life, but rather a springboard for success and significance.
THE TORCH, a significant symbol for Cliff, who was an Olympic Torch Bearer during the Salt Lake City Winter Games, celebrates the spirit of the Olympics.
• This Torch symbolizes the passage of knowledge from one person to another, to assist them through adversity.
• The key lies in making use of our community and networks to gain mass knowledge. Through this process, we accumulate experiences and grow in our ability to help ourselves and others in overcoming adversity.
• The Torch soars above the Phoenix, like a crown, to signify the supremacy of Knowledge and the importance of passing it on to others through role modeling and mentorship.
THE STARS—inspired by Cliff's being honored as U.S. Flag Bearer at Sydney 2000—epitomize a person's vision, mission and direction in life.
• The First Star stands for personal development. The ongoing quest for excellence at all levels: physical, intellectual, emotional—and in character development.
The remaining three Stars are about resourcing our communities. As we grow, our capacity to focus beyond ourselves grows, too.
• The Second Star embodies our family and loved ones, and our unconditional committment to their well-being, fulfillment, and happiness.
THE STARS (Right Side). These two Stars focus our concern beyond ourselves and our inner circle, towards helping others.
• The third Star symbolizes our Professional Circle. The workplace and those affected by the leadership we provide. True leadership makes others perform at their best level.
• The fourth Star represents our community, and the significance we provide.
LAUREL WREATH
• In ancient Greece laurel wreaths were awarded to victors, both in athletic competitions, including the ancient Olympics, and in poetic meets.
• In Rome, they were symbols of martial victory, and successful commanders were crowned with them to celebrate their triumph.
• The Laurel Wreath serves as support and foundation for the Meidl Emblem, and signifies the celebration of ongoing opportunities, success and significance in life's journey.
MOTTO
"Ad Astra Per Aspera" is Latin for...
"To The Stars Through Difficulties"
We are confronted by adversities throughout our lives. The challenge is how we deal with adversity. The ultimate life challenge is to take an adversity and turn it into an opportunity.
Passion, determination, vision — and persistence — are the ultimate ingredients in reaching success and significance.
THE MEIDL MEDAL
All the elements of the Meidl Emblem capture not only Cliff Meidl's story. They embrace the journey and challenges that we all face in our lives.
The Emblem is a symbol of hope, for we all need to believe in ourselves when we face adversity.
Starting in 2008, the Cliff Meidl Foundation will, once a year, honor four deserving individuals, each representing excellence relating to one of the four Stars, and in recognition for exceptional effort, courage, and achievement in the midst of challenging circumstances.
The Meidl Medal comes with a monetary grant. Additional information will be posted on this website in the near future.
