2015 AMTA National Convention Keynote Speaker – Scott Hamilton

When asked to submit an article about the AMTA National Conference held in Pittsburg this year, I had thought I would write about one of the sessions I attended or maybe tell about the dinner dance and how much fun it is to watch so many prim and proper people “let go” and have a wonderful fun time. Never did I think that the event  that would make the biggest impression on me would be Scott Hamilton, the former Olympic champion ice skater/ key note speaker. When I first heard he was going to be the speaker, “ I thought what a step down from last year’s speaker, Dr. Oz.” Several of my colleagues had expressed the same sentiments. Sure he was an Olympic star and I was pretty certain it took a lot of hard work and probably disappointments along the way before he made it to the top. But since competing in anything at that level  was not something most of us sitting in that audience would ever encounter, I had no  idea what he could say that would inspire us in our lives today. Wow, was I ever wrong. From the first moment he stepped on stage until he left, (to the most heartfelt, longest standing ovation I have ever witnessed) every word he said was inspirational.

Scott had something to say to and inspire every person in that audience. In fact, after hearing him speak, I feel he has something to share that can relate to every child at every stage in their lives, as well as adults. He understands what it is like to be a sickly child unable to participate in normal, every day activities. To watch his parents exhaust every possible means to help their child – to what seemed to be of no avail. He understands what it is like to be teased and made fun of because of his appearance (he is a little over five feet tall): his birth situation (he is adopted), and his interests (figure skating instead of “manly” skating like hockey). Although he often lovingly referred to his adoptive parents (especially his mother), he knows what it feels like to be adopted, not knowing anything about his “real” parents, and the feelings that go with wondering why you were not lovable enough. Scott understands the pain of death from losing a parent much too soon. He knows the fear that comes with being diagnosed with cancer, and the helplessness a person feels when their body “just can’t do it anymore.” He knows what it is like to rise back to the top, only to be diagnosed with another devastating condition. He spoke of losing a job, not because he wasn’t good enough, but because they didn’t want him anymore. Despite all the negatives in his life, Scott kept the audience laughing the entire presentation.  Anyone who can make you laugh while sharing the scene when he found out he had cancer, is quite a gifted speaker. He never gave the impression he was looking for sympathy. Every word was one of encouragement. Scott knows what it is like to finish last, not just once or twice, but many times. But he also knows how it feels to finish on top. At the very top. Not only was he an Olympic champion, he is the only figure skater ever to go undefeated for four years in a row. Scott Hamilton, sounds to me like you are still undefeated. So, Dr. Oz, you were great, and Scott Hamilton, you are phenomenal.