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Bob Wieland
Web Site
Bob's life seemed perfect as he emerged from Greenfield, Wisconsin High School a three-sport star. While studying at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse, Bob began negotiating a contract to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Bob's future with the Phillies was interrupted in 1969 when he was summoned to Vietnam. Bob's life was altered forever when he stepped on an 82mm mortar round, losing both legs, while attempting to aid one of his injured buddies. Bob was pronounced DOA (dead on arrival) at the hospital. But for the past 29 years, he has been very much AOA (alive on arrival) for audiences around the world.
People Magazine called Bob Wieland "one of the six most amazing Americans of the past 20 years." How many people have biked or walked across America? Bob has done both ... with no legs. Through seemingly insurmountable adversity, Bob has persevered. From his miraculous recovery in the hospital, to his three-year, eight-month and six-day walk across America on his hands, Bob has proved his message that "Through faith in God, determination, and dedication, a person can achieve anything." He has always said, "The joy is in the journey." Bob is the only double amputee to coach in the National Football League. He shattered the world record for his weight division in the bench press on four occasions ... even defeating fully able-bodied men. He completed the grueling Iron Man Triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26-mile marathon) on his arms. He has no peers in human achievement.
WHEELCHAIR-BOUND INSPIRATION
Bob Wieland, who lost his legs in Vietnam 34 years ago, finished the Los Angeles marathon Saturday, March, 8, 2003, after 173 hours and 45 minutes. It took 57-year-old Wieland of Arcadia, Calif., more than one week to cover the more than 26 miles. He used only his hands and torso.
Bob Wieland lost his legs in Vietnam, but that did not stop him. He is known for his walk across America. Last week during the LA marathon, he walked without sleeping for 163 hours and met a homeless person who is now working for him!
“Mr. Inspiration”, as Bob is known, was featured as the Person of the Day on Connie Chung on her March 10th show. He is scheduled to be on an upcomong Bryant Gumble show. The unstoppable Bob Wieland has truly inspired the world with his amazing achievements.
Bob Wieland’s life sparkles with courage and greatness. Bob lost his legs in Vietnam via a mortar round while trying to rescue a fellow soldier. Bob was born and raised in Greenfield, Wisconsin and was an all-star athlete well on his way to being a professional baseball player. Rather than dwelling on his lost baseball career, Bob chose to focus on the challenges that were ahead. In his words, “I lost my legs, not my heart.”
Bob Wieland is one of those rare few who can speak from the depth of a LIFE ACHIEVEMENT. What’s more, his passionately motivating style creates a desire to excel in audiences. He’s a role model whose words you hang on to for inspiration, because he’s THE REAL THING. In thousands of appearances from 10 to 10,000 strong. Bob has a way of touching hearts… making people want to give just a measure more.
Author of One Step At A Time and a member of the President’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports, Bob has been encouraging audiences for over 15 years, creating an awareness of not just his accomplishments, but of time honored PRINCIPLES OF ACHIEVEMENT. He is blessed with a speaking style that makes each person in the audience feel like he is speaking directly to them, one-on-one. His honors and public/product endorsement are extensive. His programs are not crass sensationalism, but a practical complement to your organizational goals.
AWARDS
- 1996, Named “The Most Courageous Man in America” by the NFL Players Association and the Jim Thorpe Foundation
- 1994, Voted “One of the Six Most Amazing Americans in the Past 20 Years” by People Magazine
- 1989, U.S. Marine Corps Marathon, “Most Inspirational” Award
- 1989, Healthy American Fitness Leader Award, United States Jaycees
- 1988, recipient of the prestigious Victory Award
- 1986, Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, California State University
- 1977-78, California’s Outstanding Disabled American Veteran
- 1971-72, Wisconsin’s Outstanding Disabled American Veteran
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Strength, flexibility, and motivational coach with the professional football team Green Bay packers
- Walked across America on his arms in three years, eight months, six days in 1982-86
- Former 4-time world record holder in the bench press with best lift of 507 pounds
- Completed the New York, Los Angeles, and Marine Corp Marathons
- Only double amputee to complete the grueling Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii
- Hosting 1992 television talk show Beating the Odds on national Sports Channel America
- Faculty member, outstanding graduate, and alumnus of California State University, Los Angeles
- Completed 6,200 mile bike circuit, twice across America in conjuction with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
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