About Matt

Matt Hemingway PortraitThey called him “Frog Legs” in elementary school and “Stick” in high school. This kid had an addiction to jumping. At 6’ 7” Olympic Silver Medalist, Matt Hemingway smiles confidently as he takes a break from work today. This guy knows all about tough challenges. Exciting victories and heartbreaking lows were part of the journey as he chased the dream over 20 years and finally earned a spot on the US Olympic High Jump Team. The road was anything but typical.

As an undergraduate, Matt competed for the University of Arkansas under the Leadership of NCAA coaching legend John McDonnell. During his time at Arkansas, Matt was on 7 National Championship Teams and became a 5 time All-American. After college, Matt competed on the national and international track and field circuit, earning a spot as an alternate on the 1996 team and recording the second highest jump in the world in 2000. But making the team eluded him.

Having married, taken a full-time job, and “retired” from the sport twice, Matt re-entered competition in 2004, amazingly earning a berth on the team headed for Athens. He had finally made his Olympic debut at the age of 31. He did all of this while developing his own training program and working full-time corporate positions. It all paid off, and Hemingway soared to 7’ 8 ¼ “, returning victoriously, an Olympic Silver Medalist.

Leaning on his experience as a high performing athlete on the field, Matt has been able to transition those winning principles from the track field to the office. He is passionate about helping people and teams see their objectives, clarifying what it will take to get there, and then putting a plan in motion to make those dreams become a reality. Matt knows that big dreams can come true, but the path always requires persistence, dedication, and focus. When people and organizations reach that level of commitment, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

Matt has been married to his wife Kate since 1998. They met in college at the University of Arkansas. They have a daughter, adopted from Ethiopia in 2007. Matt has been featured in numerous publications including Track and Field News,  Sports Illustrated, and ESPN magazines.

Television appearances: Carter Can: Making Room (HGTV)

 Speaking Topics

  • Overcoming Obstacles
  • The Power of Persistence
  • Sales Motivation
  • Living a Healthy and Active Life
  • Adoption