Chris Ruden is an international keynote speaker, elite powerlifter, entrepreneur, disabled model, and advocate. Despite having being born with only two fingers on his left hand and a shorter left arm, he can deadlift over 675 pounds and is on track to becoming the World's strongest adaptive athlete.
At nineteen years of age, Chris was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and while it took time to accept his disease, it's that diagnosis he credits for his career in speaking. On stages (and screens) worldwide, Chris speaks about diversity, inclusion, and overcoming adversity.
Through his humorous, logical, and passionate presentations, Chris uses his struggle to inspire thousands of people to overcome the difficulties they may face in their lives. Now his book, The Upper Hand, gives readers the simple tools they need to turn any perceived adversity into an advantage.
While Chris has a bachelor's degree and a list of fitness, therapy, and life coaching certifications (and appeared on The Rock's TV Show, Titan Games), his career highlights include helping an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy to walk and an 85-year-old woman beat cancer (twice). Chris is an advocate for fitness, managing diabetes, and the power of a positive mindset in overcoming any limitation.