Noelle Pikus-Pace

Olympic Silver Medalist, 2x World Champion & 26x World Cup Medalist in the Sport of Skeleton

Noelle Pikus-Pace

Olympic Silver Medalist, 2x World Champion & 26x World Cup Medalist in the Sport of Skeleton

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Biography

Noelle Pikus Pace is an Olympic silver medalist, two-time World Champion, and 26-time World Cup medalist in the sport of skeleton, but her most defining moments weren’t just captured on the podium — they came through adversity. In 2005, after being ranked #1 in the world, she was struck by a runaway bobsled in a freak accident that shattered her leg and her Olympic dreams. Most would have walked away. Noelle came back the next season to become the first American woman to win the Skeleton World Championships, doing so by the largest margin in the history of the sport.

Her pursuit of the Olympics required more than physical training; it demanded heart, sacrifice, and resilience. At the 2010 Vancouver Games, she competed on a sled designed and built by her husband, finishing just shy of the podium. Then, in 2014, with her husband and two children by her side, Noelle returned one final time and won the Olympic silver medal. Her leap into the stands to celebrate with her family was named the USOPC’s “Moment of the Games” and cemented her as a symbol of perseverance and purpose.

Outside of sport, Noelle is a best-selling author (Focused), an MBA, and the proud mother of four. She speaks to corporate audiences across industries, helping teams and leaders turn setbacks into comebacks while inspiring them to lead with focus, resilience, and intention.

Her current work includes keynote speaking, mindset coaching, and the upcoming release of her second book (No Excuses) for those seeking growth in a world that demands adaptability and grit. Through it all, Noelle leads with authenticity — never pretending to have it all figured out, but always showing what’s possible when you stay focused on what truly matters.

Speaker Videos

Demo Reel

Speech Topics

Where You Look is Where You Go: Creating a Resilient Mindset

On February 14, 2014, Noelle Pikus Pace crossed the finish line at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, and finally earned an Olympic medal—but it wasn’t an easy road. She learned through her trials the importance of setting specific goals every day to move forward. After a terrible crash in Germany, she realized the importance of eliminating doubts, fears, and worries from our lives and that “Where You Look is Where You Go.”

Noelle will inspire you, make you laugh, and win you over as she shares her journey and applies it to life.

Audience Takeaways:

Understand the difference between a fixed and growth mindset—and how to shift into one that drives progress.
Identify and challenge negative thought patterns that limit personal and professional potential.
Learn how focus shapes outcomes: “Where you look is where you go.”
Discover how creating life balance strengthens clarity, resilience, and performance.
Gain tools to build vision, direction, and confidence through real-life stories of adversity and triumph.

You Always Have a Choice: Overcoming Obstacles & Navigating Change

As the number one ranked female skeleton athlete in the world, Noelle was expected to compete in the 2006 Olympics and bring home the gold—but three months before the Games, she suffered a tragic accident when a runaway bobsled hit her, breaking her leg and shattering her dreams.

Just weeks later, she defied the odds and returned to compete, learning firsthand that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control our choices.

Audience Takeaways:

Discover the power of personal choice in the face of adversity and change.
Learn how to take control of your attitude, even when circumstances are beyond your control.
Reframe challenges as stepping stones—not stop signs—on the path to success.
Understand how to move forward with confidence, even when the future is uncertain.
See obstacles not as setbacks, but as necessary experiences that build character and clarity.

Small & Simple Things: The Power of 1%

Shoelaces cost Noelle an Olympic medal! After a heartbreaking 4th-place finish at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010—missing bronze by just 1/10th of a second—Noelle discovered her shoelaces had been dragging down the track. That tiny oversight made all the difference.

Her experience teaches audiences how small, simple changes can create massive results over time.

Audience Takeaways:

Learn how to live an intentional life
See how habits shape who we become
Identify what needs to be fixed to improve performance
Discover your “next 1%” for immediate improvement
Understand how small factors can impact big goals—and how to address them

Testimonials

"Noelle is relatable, even though she has accomplished world renowned achievements. She makes me want to try things I have been to afraid to try because of her words on looking at where you are going. Would 1000% recommend anyone go to hear her. You will leave with clarity and excitement to go forward."

- SHAPE UT Conference

"What I liked so much about Noelle is that she is a truly genuine person, which makes her more relatable. Many of my Accelerent Partners and Guests said that she was the best speaker we have ever had. Noelle is always welcome back to speak to Accelerent of Denver!"

- Regional President of Accelerent - Denver

"Need a powerful positive speaker this would be who to have. Amazing insight about small positive steps (1% better) each day. I really needed this today, thank you!"

- Accelerent - Indianapolis