Speaking · Salt Lake City, Utah
Beyond Limits
A 2017 skiing crash tore the nerves of his left arm from his spine. He rebuilt, relearned to race, and became the U.S. giant slalom national champion.
Tyler McKenzie is a para alpine skier on the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and a speaker based in Salt Lake City. He talks about losing the use of an arm, choosing the hard road back, and what it takes to compete when the outcome is never guaranteed.
One pole, a rigid arm brace, full speed.
01 · The keynote
A worst day can lead to a best day
On May 27, 2017, a skiing crash in Utah nearly killed him. The helmet held. The nerve roots that power his left arm did not. More than 24 hours of nerve-transfer surgery and a shoulder fusion later, he was back on skis within a year, racing his first para alpine event in 2019, and in 2026 he started five events on the sport’s biggest stage.
The full talk is titled “Beyond Limits: My Paralympic Journey.” It is honest about pain, setbacks and the decisions nobody wants to make, and practical about what gets you moving again. It’s told by an athlete who has been through every part of it.
02 · Topics
What audiences take home
Every talk is built from Tyler’s own story and tailored to your audience and agenda.
01
A worst day can lead to a best day
The 2017 crash, the helmet that saved his life, and finding a way forward when the old plan is gone.
02
Rewire, then rebuild
Nerve transfers, a shoulder fusion and relearning to ski with a single pole and a rigid brace. Adapting the method, not the goal.
03
Compete, not retreat
A broken ankle four weeks before the 2022 Games. Choosing open spine surgery in 2023 to end nearly six years of nerve pain. Then earning a full-time U.S. team spot.
04
Movement is medicine. Nature heals.
Training with Nyx, his owner-trained service dog, and why getting outside is part of the recovery plan.
03 · Formats & audiences
Built for your room
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah. In-person and virtual requests welcome.
Keynote
The full Beyond Limits story for conferences, kick-offs and all-hands meetings.
Fireside & panel
A moderated conversation or panel seat on resilience, adaptive sport and performance.
School & team session
For students, athletes and coaches: setbacks, goal-setting and the long game.
Virtual
Live remote talks and Q&A for distributed teams and events.
Corporate & leadership — Change, adversity, teams that keep showing up
Schools & universities — Students, athletes, alumni events
Healthcare & rehab — Brachial plexus injury, nerve pain, the decisions after surgery
Adaptive sport & nonprofit — Programs, galas, community events
Session length, travel and AV details are agreed per event. Most recently: Proctor Academy Community Day, Oct 3, 2026.
04 · Book Tyler
Check availability
Tell us about your event. It goes straight to Tyler, and he replies personally.
Fee: Discussed upon contact.
Salt Lake City, Utah