
Kevin Pearce
Champion Snowboarder & Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor
Kevin Pearce
Champion Snowboarder & Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor
Biography
Kevin Pearce, former professional snowboarder, is an inspirational public speaker and co-founder of LoveYourBrain LLC. He is an advocate for the prevention of brain injuries and the promotion of a brain healthy lifestyle. Kevin catapulted onto the professional snowboarding stage in 2005 at age 18, rising above others in his division and quickly becoming the athlete to watch in the ever-evolving sport. With his smooth style, spellbinding tricks and panache for the unexpected, fans came to know that whatever came next from Kevin would amaze. In 2007 & 2008, Kevin earned back-to-back Quarterpipe victories at The Oakley Artic Challenge as well as two Air&Style victories. At the end of the 2008 season he was deemed TTR (Ticket to Ride) Champion. In the 2009 Winter X Games, Kevin brought home the Silver Medal for Superpipe, making him a strong contender to win Gold in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
On December 31, 2009, while training for the Olympic trials in Park City, Utah, and practicing a new trick on the half-pipe, Kevin suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Although he was wearing a helmet at the time, the injury left Kevin in critical condition and in a medically induced coma that would change his life forever. Despite the fact that Kevin’s half-pipe career was brought to an end that day, his determination and drive to overcome the catastrophe through vigorous rehabilitation, personal training and giving back to others continues to inspire his family, friends and fans every day.
Kevin’s recovery—and his quest to accept his new life—has been chronicled in The Crash Reel, an HBO documentary film directed by two-time Oscar nominated Director, Lucy Walker. He is currently involved in film projects, including a follow-up documentary and a feature film.
Post-accident, Kevin has become a passionate advocate for the prevention of brain injuries and the promotion of a brain healthy lifestyle for all people. Together with his brother, Adam, he is co-founder of The Love Your Brain Foundation (Loveyourbrain.com). Their mission is to prevent brain injuries, support brain injury recovery and promote brain health. Their vision is to create a community that has a greater understanding of the importance of the human brain and consequently a smarter and healthier generation of active people.
Kevin is a Sports Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society, crediting his older brother David, who was born with Down syndrome, as a huge influence in his life and career.
He is the 2014 recipient of The Dana and Christopher Reeve Inspiration Award from Craig Hospital as well as The Victory Award (2011) from The National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC.
While Kevin’s life and career path have been altered, his love and enthusiasm for the sport of snowboarding have remained unaffected. Everyone from snowboarding fanatics to those outside the sports world have followed Kevin’s rise to the top and dramatic close call; now Kevin’s passion and focus are all about inspiring others and teaching people what it means to “LoveYourBrain.”
Speaker Videos
Kevin Pearce on the Today Show
Conquering “Negative Thoughts” and How to Stay Positive
The Crash Reel - Official Trailer
A Brain Injury Is like a Fingerprint, No Two Are Alike
Speech Topics
If you are interested in having your audience view the documentary "The Crash Reel" prior to your event, speak to your APB agent.
The Crash Reel
Champion snowboarder Kevin Pearce’s epic rise, life-changing fall and inspiring road to recovery were chronicled in The Crash Reel, the acclaimed HBO documentary by Oscar-nominated director, Lucy Walker. With dramatic footage from the film that brings his moving story to life, Kevin shares his stellar snowboarding career before the crash and his spiritual and physical journey to accept and overcome his traumatic brain injury. This is an unforgettable story of family, strength, determination and the triumph of the human spirit in overcoming even the greatest challenges.
The Road to Recovery: A Patient’s Perspective
Six months in a coma. Three months in the hospital. Years of intensive therapy. Kevin’s challenging road to recovery since his 2010 accident has included tremors, eye surgeries, physical and psychotherapy, and a journey that continues to this day. Kevin personalizes the perspective of a patient recovering from traumatic brain injury, providing inspiration to TBI patients and valuable insights to caregivers. He also highlights why it is important to “Love Your Brain,” sharing his own regiment of diet, meditation, yoga and exercise. This moving presentation illuminates the patient journey through Kevin’s experience. It also reminds those who work in healthcare of their very special calling — and the extraordinary difference that they can make every day.