Keynotes

It is unclear how much elite athletes struggle with mental health; these elite athletes have protective factors that create resilience for mental health and risk factors that create vulnerability to mental health. But we know that elite athlete struggle… And it starts early. Parents, teachers, educators, and administrators can all notice when an athlete is struggling, and they can make a significant impact.

In her keynote presentation, Bartley will discuss how the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) will be tackling mental health and developing a world-class mental health program to address elite athlete mental health. She will share what they are doing to address elite athletes’ unique mental health concerns, where they plan to go, and most importantly, how you can help!

More about Dr. Jessica Bartley:

• Her areas of expertise include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mental health with athletes – specifically depression, anxiety, eating disorders and body image, substance use, performance anxiety, motivation, and sport transition/retirement after sport.
• Jess has served college student-athletes’ mental health and performance needs at the University of Denver, the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), and the Ohio State University.
• Serves as the Sport Psychologist with USA Karate and USA Track and Field and has been providing mental health and performance psychology services to Professional Bull Riding athletes.

Breezy Johnson is an American World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympian on the U.S. Ski Team. As a Classroom Champions Athlete Mentor, Breezy shares her stories and experiences with her K-8 mentees, demonstrating to them critical social and emotional learning skills through her journey.

Now, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Breezy will share her journey with you, stories from her childhood (she learned to ski in her driveway!) and how she aspires to become an Olympic medalist in the speed events of downhill and super-G.

Breezy will also share how she persevered and maintained a positive headspace despite her injury just weeks before she was set to race in the past Winter Olympic Games.

More about Breezy Johnson:

• 7th place Olympics (Downhill) 2018
• 14th place Olympics (Super-G) 2018
• 4 consecutive podiums World Cup 2021

Chris Nikic is one inspiring young man! In November 2020, he set a new world record by being the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman triathlon.

His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals — and his story is one that will inspire you to believe you can achieve more with a simple plan to build a 1% better habit.

In his keynote address, Nikic will give the how-to behind his success — getting better 1% at a time — which is something everyone can do in any area of their lives.

More about Chris Nikic:

• Guinness Record Holder
• 2X ESPY Award Winner
• Laureus Global Sporting Moment of the Year
• Institute for Sports and Social Justice – Barrier Breaker Award
• Author: 1% Better – Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too

Sylvia Crawley will give a keynote presentation about the importance of seeing girls in sports — and how Title IX aligns with advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in sports.

More about Sylvia Crawley:

• Crawley played four WNBA seasons as a forward with the Portland Fire and San Antonio Silver Stars.
• She was a member of the 1994 U.S. Select team and an alternate for the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, which earned a gold medal.

Sylvia Crawley’s presentation is sponsored by: