Shay is a very inspiring individual who gave an incredible talk to our employees during our recent annual Employee Award's Banquet. It couldn't have been better timing for where we are in our journey as an organization. Shay was able to provide real-life experiences of facing adversity and how he overcame a challenge that life dealt him to become an incredible leader and great example for many facing obstacles in their personal and professional life
Shay Eskew
Childhood Burn Survivor, Ranked Top 1% Ironman Triathlete, Best-Selling Author and Motivational Speaker
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Shay Eskew
Biography
At the age of 8, Shay was set afire by a neighbor’s child with gasoline and credited with saving the life of his 7-year-old friend as well as himself. When the dust settled, over 65% of his body was covered in burns and burn related scars. He would undergo over 43 surgeries over the next 42 years to reclaim his life as an athlete. Shay’s right arm was permanently melted to his body – it would take 3 years for him to be able it over his head. He had to learn how to write left-handed to finish the 3rd grade. His neck was permanently affixed at a 60-degree angle, required 3 surgeries over 2 years to hold it upright. His right ear had to be amputated. The severe burn damage made him unable to sweat on 1/3 of his body. Despite these challenges and being told he’d never play sports again at 8, Shay’s story of perseverance gives hope to everyone that Anything is Possible!
Shay is a 47x IRONMAN/IRONMAN 70.3 athlete – ranked top 1% of IRONMAN worldwide (6x), member of Team USA (4x), and has competed in 15 triathlon World Championships in 11 countries on 6 continents, including the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. In 2023, Shay teamed up with elite special force members in the never before attempted Human Performance Project – 7 marathons, 7 jumps (skydives/base jumps), 7 swims, 7 continents, 7 days. In 2019, Shay was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame under the Medal of Courage designation and into the McEachern High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Alumni. Equally impressive, Shay is the proud father of 5 kids under 17.
Shay Eskew
Featured Keynote Program
Keynote Topics
Setting life goals and formulating action plans.
Overcoming unfathomable obstacles.
Competing as an Underdog.