Adam Kreek

Adam Kreek is a four-time World Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Entrepreneur and High Performance Expert.

A self-described “positive realist,” Adam has spoken to over 100,000 people across North America on topics of achievement, leadership and teambuilding. Adam’s upcoming book, Beyond Success, will explore key techniques used by Olympians to maximize their potential and find fulfillment, and how these principles can be harnessed to achieve business and personal ambitions.

During his 13 year rowing career, Adam won over 60 medals, 27 in international competition, with 43 of these being gold medal or first place performances. After his Gold medal performance at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Adam and his teammates were inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame and voted runner up as Canada’s top team of the year.

Adam is also an Athlete Ambassador for Right to Play, a non-profit organization that uses play to rehabilitate youth in war-torn regions of the world, and a Big Brother, with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. As a board member of the organization Clean Air Champions, Adam speaks to youth across Canada about the connection and importance of taking care of human and environmental health. Adam is also a Play It Cool Athlete Representative with the David Suzuki Foundation and The Climate Project Canada.

As an elected member of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Adam represents the viewpoints of fellow and upcoming Olympic athletes. He recently co-hosted the launch of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay on CBC, with Ian Hanomansing from Victoria and is a lead athlete with Gold Medal Plates, a key organization raising funds for Olympic athletes in Canada.

Adam holds a degree in Geotechnical Engineering and Hydrology from Stanford University.

Three interesting facts about Adam:
1) Adam will row across the Atlantic Ocean in Dec. 2011 to advocate for self-awareness and raise funds for Right To Play. Adam just returned from a Right to Play project in South America.
2) Adam’s work experience on oilrigs in Northern Alberta sparked his interest in alternative fuel sources and in 2006 he built a biodiesel reactor and founded GoGreen Biofuels, to produce biodiesel from local sources of waste vegetable oil.
3) In Adam’s spare time, you’ll find him playing the mandolin, crab fishing, rowing or cycling.

“I wrote on my handlebars today “Sing Like Kreek.”
Triathlete Simon Whitfield, inspired by Adam Kreek, and won the Olympic Silver Medal, Beijing 2008

“Adam is an incredibly charismatic, creative and engaging person, all attributes that come out in his speaking and motivational projects. Whether to motivate personal change in yourself and those around you or to add value to your business, I have a hard time imagining a better person for the job than Adam.”
Director, Change Management at British Columbia Public Service

“Adam addressed the graduating class of officer cadets from the Royal Military College of Canada. His message was clear and inspiring: with hard work and commitment to a goal, anything is possible. This was a perfect message for officer aspirants to hear prior to their commissioning as officers in the Canadian Forces. Adam was able to give context to the challenges of achieving personal best performances by putting the teams’ goals first, in support of a mission.

He is credible, clear and articulate and he connects with his audience. Adam is a high functioning individual; his intelligence and passion are balanced with an unfailing sense of humour that is not lost on his listeners. Anyone who dares to dream will be moved by Adam’s perspectives on making something a reality.”
A.J. O’Keeffe MMM, CD
Lieutenant Colonel Director of Cadets
Royal Military College

“Adam’s power point presentation, his candid speaking style, and his motivational message had a powerful impact! The students in the crowd were engaged, connected to the topic, and were keen to touch the gold medal. It allowed us a tiny glimpse into the dedication, leadership, and sacrifices that our Olympic athletes make. I saw many students staying afterwards to thank him personally. Thank you for providing such an outstanding opportunity to empower our youth (and ourselves as educators).”
Kathy Barber, Vice Principal
Ladysmith Secondary School

“Success requires a team full of leaders,” Adam Kreek told one of my audiences, adding that “My medal is a testament to teamwork.” Adam is exemplary as a speaker, a teacher, and an expert on what it takes to succeed in a globally competitive endeavor. He teams with you to help make you a winner and he drives the enthusiasm of your colleagues to help you achieve your goals! You can find no finer gold, than the gold in Adam Kreek.”
Barry Gander
Executive Vice President at CATA Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance

“Adam Kreek, a 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist in Men’s Rowing, gave an inspiring presentation to the Pacific Institute of Sport Excellence summer camp athletes. Sharing personal stories of failures, success, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle.  Adam left the young athletes motivated and equipped to overcome any obstacles while pursuing their athletic dreams.”
Robbie Veenhof
Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence – Summer Camp Coordinator

Adam is the author of the forthcoming book: The Strength to Continue – How we keep it happening