Craig Dietz was born in 1974, in the rural town of St. Marys, PA. Despite being born without limbs, Craig had a very active childhood, bowling in a league, hunting, fishing, playing percussion in the high school band, and graduating high school on the honor society.
Craig graduated from Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh, in 1996, with a B.A. in Political Science. While at Duquesne, he was very active with the Campus Ministry and a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1999, and passed the PA Bar Exam on his first attempt without any special accommodations. Craig worked as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Harrisburg from 2000 - 2006. From 2006 -2010, Craig worked as a litigation attorney for the City of Pittsburgh.
In addition to bowling, hunting, fishing, skiing and playing volleyball, Craig always had a passion for swimming. But it wasn't until 2008 that he decided to start training for long distance open water swimming and finished the 1500 meter Allegheny River swim in 40:20 as part of a relay team in the Pittsburgh Triathlon. That one race was all it took for Craig to become hooked on the competition of triathlon and open water swimming.
Craig has competed in the Pittsburgh Triathlon every year since 2008. In 2012, he finished the swim in 29:14, faster than more than 150 able-bodied competitors. Also in 2012, Craig became the first quadruple amputee to swim across the Chesapeake Bay, finishing the 4.4 mile rough water swim in just under 3 hours. In 2013 Craig competed in the Midmar Mile swim in South Africa and finished a 1.5 mile "escape" from Alcatraz swim in 54:37. Craig continues to enjoy competitive swimming and has set his next goal at completing a 10k open water swim.
Craig's parents, two sisters and brother have been extremely supportive of all his activities throughout his life. His family was particularly instrumental in getting driving lessons for him and purchasing a van equipped for him to drive. Craig has lived independently since graduating from high school, and currently resides in Harrisburg, PA, with his wife, Christy and their dog, Rocco.
Craig's story has been featured on the Marie Osmond Show, Fox News, ESPN's television show E:60, as well as ESPN The Magazine and several local print and television news media outlets. For over 6 years, Craig has been challenging and inspiring audiences with his life story of perseverance, and his unique blend of humor and candor.
Craig Dietz was born in 1974, in the rural town of St. Marys, PA. Despite being born without limbs, Craig had a very active childhood, bowling in a league, hunting, fishing, playing percussion in the high school band, and graduating high school on the honor society.
Craig graduated from Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh, in 1996, with a B.A. in Political Science. While at Duquesne, he was very active with the Campus Ministry and a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1999, and passed the PA Bar Exam on his first attempt without any special accommodations. Craig worked as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Harrisburg from 2000 - 2006. From 2006 -2010, Craig worked as a litigation attorney for the City of Pittsburgh.
In addition to bowling, hunting, fishing, skiing and playing volleyball, Craig always had a passion for swimming. But it wasn't until 2008 that he decided to start training for long distance open water swimming and finished the 1500 meter Allegheny River swim in 40:20 as part of a relay team in the Pittsburgh Triathlon. That one race was all it took for Craig to become hooked on the competition of triathlon and open water swimming.
Craig has competed in the Pittsburgh Triathlon every year since 2008. In 2012, he finished the swim in 29:14, faster than more than 150 able-bodied competitors. Also in 2012, Craig became the first quadruple amputee to swim across the Chesapeake Bay, finishing the 4.4 mile rough water swim in just under 3 hours. In 2013 Craig competed in the Midmar Mile swim in South Africa and finished a 1.5 mile "escape" from Alcatraz swim in 54:37. Craig continues to enjoy competitive swimming and has set his next goal at completing a 10k open water swim.
Craig's parents, two sisters and brother have been extremely supportive of all his activities throughout his life. His family was particularly instrumental in getting driving lessons for him and purchasing a van equipped for him to drive. Craig has lived independently since graduating from high school, and currently resides in Harrisburg, PA, with his wife, Christy and their dog, Rocco.
Craig's story has been featured on the Marie Osmond Show, Fox News, ESPN's television show E:60, as well as ESPN The Magazine and several local print and television news media outlets. For over 6 years, Craig has been challenging and inspiring audiences with his life story of perseverance, and his unique blend of humor and candor.
Defining Your Own Potential
7 recommend Craig
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On-Site
R.K.M.
Verified @aol.comAs an Independent Meeting Planner, I work with many different clients and I am always looking for a speaker that I can use for any or all of them. I have already contracted to work with Craig Dietz on three separate occasions to the complete enjoyment and satisfaction of each group. Through Craig's presentation, the audience learns that no matter what life presents, it is OK to laugh, move forward and thrive, both personally and professionally.
Whirley-DrinkWorks
On-Site
L.S., President, Whirley-DrinkWorks
Verified @whirleydrinkworks.comWhen Craig spoke at our annual company meeting to our team of 500 people he had us laughing, reflecting about life experiences and appreciating what we all have. At the end of the day I believe most of us left with a new positive energy to be a better person, believing we can overcome challenges in life and reaching for higher achievements (whatever they may be). Craig is a doer, visionary and inspiring leader while remaining refreshingly down to earth. I have had numerous people in our company thank me for having Craig speak at our annual event. If you are looking for someone to speak and participate at an event I think you "can't miss" if you choose to bring Craig into your team!
Texas Association of Campground Owners
On-Site
B.S., Executive Director/CEO, Texas Association of Campground Owners
Verified @TexasAdvertising.netThe TACO Board of Directors wanted a different kind of keynote speaker for the 2015 TACO Spring Meeting & Trade Show. Through my research, Craig Dietz came highly recommended as having an inspiring message about life. Making the arrangements with Craig was easy and professional. Most importantly, Craig really connected with our group and received an amazing standing ovation at the conclusion of his story about dealing with what life brings and keeping your joy in the process. He is now on my Recommended List!
Warren County YMCA
On-Site
K.S., Marketing Director, Warren County YMCA
Verified @warrenymca.orgCraig Dietz is an amazing inspiration, understated and humble. I am so pleased we invited him to be a part of our YMCA campaign night as well as our Tango Adventure Race. It is only once in a life time you get to personally meet people of such caliber. We were so happy to bring him to others and share his story.
Office of Community Access & Independence at Colorado Department of Human Services
On-Site
M.J.W., Director, Office of Community Access & Independence at Colorado Department of Human Services
Verified @comcast.netIt is my pleasure to recommend Craig Dietz! He has a powerful story to tell. Craig speaks about his life and how he has overcome what most people would call insurmountable challenges. Craig calls it life and moves on. He integrates humor in his presentations in a way that is funny and disarming. Craig tells a positive message of meeting the challenges he faced as he grew up, went to college and on out into the professional world. Craig will challenge your audiences to confront their obstacles with this same positive spirit. -Mark J. Wester, Executive Director, Mosaic Colorado Springs
FINIS, INC
On-Site
J.M., President/Owner, FINIS, INC
Verified @finisinc.comI have had the chance to work with Craig professionally in a business environment and have developed a great friendship with Craig. His charisma and message to every person he is connecting with releases a desire from within. Specifically at my request I had about 10 people from my office join me for a weekend event, giving up their time to spend time with Craig swimming and talking. Every person from that weekend subsequently told me that it was the most motivating day of work they have ever had. At a later date we hired Craig's services where he spoke to an audience of about 300 professionals that I have known for years and delivered a motivational speech. I still receive compliments today from those who were in attendance. I would highly recommend anybody who has the opportunity to work with Craig and get to know him personally and professionally. He will change your lives.
KAATSU Global, Inc
On-Site
S.M., President, KAATSU Global, Inc
Verified @kaatsu-usa.comCraig spoke in front of some of the world's most extreme athletes on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California at the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. These athletes include Olympic medalists, world champions and some of the most celebrated swimmers in the world. Craig was an extraordinarily dynamic speaker who spoke in the most sincere and genuine manner possible. He captivated the audience and taught them how great and how far one can push oneself. He was a gentleman and a delight to host and we would highly recommend him to any group for any occasion.
