
Dan Jansen
Retired American Speed Skater. A multiple world champion in sprint and perennial favorite at the Winter Olympics
Dan Jansen, Olympic gold medalist, rejoins NBC as the speed skating analyst during the network’s coverage of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The Torino Games will be Jansen’s third Olympic broadcast assignment, having also provided speed skating analysis for NBC during the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City and for CBS during their coverage…
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Dan Jansen, Olympic gold medalist, rejoins NBC as the speed skating analyst during the network’s coverage of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The Torino Games will be Jansen’s third Olympic broadcast assignment, having also provided speed skating analysis for NBC during the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City and for CBS during their coverage of the 1998 Winter Games in Niagano. He is also currently the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks skating coach.
Although he dominated the sport of speed skating for years, Jansen had not won an Olympic medal going into the final event of his Olympic career. A four-time Olympian, Jansen was ranked No. 1 in the world for three consecutive years heading into the 1994 Lillehammer Games. In his first Olympics, the 1984 Sarajevo Games, he finished fourth in the 500m. In the 1988 Games in Calgary, after learning of the death of his sister, Jane, he fell in both the 500m, his best event, and 1,000m. In 1992 in Albertville, Jansen placed fourth in the 500m and did not attempt the 1,000m. At the 1994 Games in Lillehammer, Jansen fell in the event he was favored to win, the 500m. In the final Olympic race of his career, the 1,000m in Lillehammer, he finally won his elusive Olympic medal – a gold medal – with a world record time of 1:12.43.
After his victory, The Washington Post said “A gold medal for Jansen was the one the Americans wanted most of all. There is no more popular, no more respected Olympian than Jansen”.
Jansen’s victory lap, while carrying his then nine-month old daughter, Jane, is the most memorable image of the Lillehammer Games. Some say Jansen’s victory lap is the most memorable U.S. Winter Olympic memory since the USA’s “Miracle on Ice” gold medal hockey performance in 1980. Jane was named after his sister, to whom he dedicated his competitions when she died of leukemia in 1988. Following the 1994 winter Olympics, Jansen won the Amateur Athletic Union’s Sullivan Award, which is presented annually to the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States who exhibits the qualities of leadership, character, sportsmanship, and the ideals of amateurism.
Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 USA Hockey team, said Dan Jansen is “the true Olympian. It would be a tragedy after all he put in if he didn’t get a medal. I can’t think of anyone I root for more.”
Jansen was a seven-time Overall World Cup Champion and a two-time World Sprint Champion. He claimed 46 World Cup victories and more than 75 World Cup medals. He is an eight-time World record holder in the 500m and 1,000m speed skating events and compiled 20 World Championship medals during his career. Jansen was also the first man ever to break the 36-second barrier in the 500m.
Dan Jansen has established the Dan Jansen Foundation, which contributes to youth sports and educational programs, with an emphasis on the fight against leukemia. “Full Circle”, Jansen’s autobiography, with co-author Jack McCallum, was published by Villard Books in 1994.
Jansen, a native of West Allis, Wis., currently resides in North Carolina with his wife Karen, a top golf instructor, and his two daughters, Jane and Olivia.
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MEDTRONIC
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UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
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Going For The Gold
With humor, sensitivity and candor, Jansen outlines the principles that supported him through the process of dealing with his losses and overcoming his obstacles, a process that he now understands is one of growth. The lessons he has learned from his own life experiences are the foundation of the life he lives today.
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