From Tragedy to Triumph: Resilience, Leadership, and the Power of Sport

This week on SEEN, we’re joined by Brad Snyder, Deputy Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, US Paralympic athlete, and retired U.S. Navy EOD officer. His story redefines resilience. Originally scheduled to be a keynote speaker at last month’s 4S Summit, Brad had to miss the event for a great reason: he was named an International Paralympic Committee Governing Board Member At-Large Candidate and elections coincided with 4S. Now, he’s here to share his journey—from losing his vision in Afghanistan to becoming a multi-time Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder. Brad opens up about how purpose and perseverance helped him transform adversity into achievement, and what lessons you can take from his story when facing your own challenges. We also dive into what it means to be a candidate for the IPC Governing Board and how this opportunity aligns with his mission to be a leader within sports and the Paralympic Movement. Whether you’re navigating a setback or simply looking for a dose of motivation, Brad’s insights will leave you feeling empowered. *****About Brad: After losing his vision in combat, Brad refused to let adversity define him—transforming personal tragedy into triumph through resilience, purpose, and elite athletic achievement. His powerful story of perseverance, leadership, and redefining success will leave you inspired to face your own challenges with courage and clarity.Brad Snyder graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006 as the swim team captain, then served seven years in the Navy as an explosive ordnance disposal officer. In 2011, Brad was completely blinded as the result of a combat injury suffered in Afghanistan. The incident would prove to be lucky timing, however, as Brad was able to make a swift transition back to the pool and earn a spot on Team USA for the 2012 Paralympics. Exactly one year after losing his vision, Brad swam to gold in the London Paralympic Games! Four years later, Brad won three more races at the Rio Paralympics, notably sweeping the freestyle events and breaking a world record that had previously stood for over 30 years. After Rio, Brad transitioned to triathlon, and became the first American male to win gold at either the Olympics or Paralympics.In 2022, Brad was inducted as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and in 2025 was welcomed back home to his alma mater as the Deputy Director of the Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Brad’s mission in this role is to inspire and empower leaders of character by promoting the pursuit of excellence in mind, body, and spirit.Brad is a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar and holds a BS degree in Naval Architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy, a MA degree in International Relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy at Princeton University. Brad also serves as an athlete representative on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Board of Directors, and is on the Advisory Board for the Navy Special Operations Foundation.