A story of relentless perseverance no matter what life threw his way…
Born in Savlamar, Jamaica, Akeem didn’t have much of an advantage from the beginning. With limited options and tragic events happening early in life, he moved to Canada with his mother seeking a better life. However, they fell into tough times and struggled to find stability, moving many different times in a short period.
Down but not out, with the help of some friends, they were able to get back on their feet. Akeem became involved in sports, mainly football and track and field. Akeem excelled on the field and track and won many different awards. In the 11th grade, he started to gain offers from Division I schools in the United States.
Nevertheless, Akeem’s path to becoming a NCAA Division I student-athlete was not smooth. After failed attempts with the S.A.T. and the A.C.T. once, Akeem did not get the scores he needed to accept a full athletic scholarship from an NCAA institution.
You would think all of this adversity on top of having multiple learning disabilities would’ve stopped Akeem from furthering his education. But quitting has never been an option for Akeem. He attended Barton Community College in the fall of 2010. Two years later he would make his first Canadian Olympic Team and earn All-American honours, becoming a national champion and earning a full athletic scholarship to The University of Alabama.
Akeem eventually went on to become the first in his immediate family to graduate from college on top of becoming a Division I Track and Field All-American.
Through perseverance, a resilient mindset and a stubborn attitude to succeed, Akeem has become a 2x Olympian (2012 & 2016), helping Canada bring home an Olympic Bronze Medal at the Rio Olympic Games.
With an intriguing story and captivating delivery, Akeem takes you through the highs and lows and shows you what a resilient mindset can achieve.
Testimonials
Check out a few comments on
Akeems presentations below!
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“Your presentation yesterday was wonderful. It was just the right message at just the right time. Thank you for sharing your story with us and for inspiring us with your message.
Some of your key messages are already being shared and recirculated, with credit to you and yesterday’s presentation. You are clearly a genuine individual with a powerful message and in your humble way, you spread joy and uplift those who have the privilege to listen to you.
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“Akeem is so young and yet so talented. As a university graduate, Olympic medal-winning athlete and now a novelist, he has experienced highs through dedication and determination needed to achieve success, while his life story is one that will truly inspire.
Hearing Akeem speak is what I imagine Anthony Robbins to have been like when he first started motivating people. I have been so moved by Akeems presentation, I, therefore, give him the highest recommendations. Look no further for an exceptional motivational speaker”
“What a message shared by Akeem. I don’t think I’ve heard any other speaker connect a message so well with an audience. Thank you for inspiring us and reminding us to think bigger than what’s in front of us.
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“I’ve heard a lot of speakers, been to a lot of conferences, but I’ve never heard someone capture the room like Akeem was able to do at the kid sports luncheon. He took us through a roller-coaster of emotions and truly left us in awe. Akeem is a very special and truly an inspiring young man.
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“I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story and challenging a room full of young athletes to commit and persevere.
To see a room of teenage boys hang on your every word was very powerful. I can speak for my students when I say they saw themselves in you. A role model who is an immigrant, a strong and resilient black man, an athlete, a team player and a loving son. I’m tearing up just thinking about how they flocked to you after your presentation.
I cannot thank you enough for your honesty. Your voice is so important. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The impact you had is immeasurable.”
“Akeem’s presentation was amazing. At times we wanted to cry, then we wanted to laugh and then we wanted to get out and get after it! A roller-coaster of a story that left us all inspired, motivated and shifted our perspective to always search for the good when we are faced with adversity. If you aren’t inspired to be your best after you’ve heard Akeem speak, then something might be wrong with you!”
“Akeem’s Presentation surpassed our expectations and the feedback has been extremely positive for those who attended. The messages resonated with the group and I hope will challenge the athletes to look at the path they are on and how they can tackle the obstacles on the way.”
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Thanks again for considering Akeem for your next event.
Contact:
Akeeminspires@gmail.com
We Also Will Be Offering Virtual Speaking Engagements, don't you worry, the energy, impact and message will still be just as valuable as in person!