Olympian. Champion. Author. Speaker. Mentor.

Hazel Clark empowers young people, athletes, and communities to lead with courage, resilience, and purpose.

A Champion On and Off the Track

Hazel Clark is a three-time Olympian, 6-time USA Champion, author, and TEDx speaker dedicated to empowering the next generation through sport, leadership, and mentorship. From competing at the highest level in track and field to inspiring audiences around the world, Hazel’s mission is simple: Help people take the first step toward their goals with courage, confidence, and resilience. Through speaking, youth camps, and her children’s book Hazel Takes the First Step, Hazel continues to impact young athletes, students, and communities.

Olympic Games Competed In

USA 800m National Championships

Speaking Engagements

0 +

Years Inspiring Athletes & Leaders

5 +

What Hazel Does

Inspiring Through Sport, Story, and Leadership

Olympic excellence. Championship performance. Relentless determination.

Hazel Clark is a three-time Olympian and six-time U.S. Champion who competed at the highest level of track and field, proudly representing Team USA on the world stage. Her journey from collegiate standout at the University of Florida to international champion reflects the discipline, resilience, and excellence that continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.

View Athletic Achievements

Inspiring the next generation to believe in themselves.

Hazel’s children’s book Hazel Takes the First Step teaches young readers about courage, confidence, and perseverance. Through a powerful story, children learn that every dream begins with taking the first step.

Buy the Book

Powerful lessons from the Olympic stage to the leadership stage.

Hazel delivers inspiring presentations that motivate audiences to pursue excellence, overcome adversity, and lead with purpose. Her talks blend Olympic experiences, leadership insights, and real-life lessons that resonate with athletes, students, and professionals alike.

Book Hazel to Speak

Develop confidence, leadership, and athletic excellence.

Hazel’s youth camps are designed to help young athletes build skills both on and off the track. Participants learn directly from an Olympian while developing:

Speed and athletic performance
Mental toughness
Leadership and teamwork
Confidence and goal setting

Develop confidence, leadership, and athletic excellence.

Hazel Clark’s journey is deeply influenced by the legacy of her father, Principal Joe Clark—an iconic educational leader whose life inspired the film Lean On Me. Through his mentorship, she embraced service, integrity, and the courage to lead—carrying forward his belief that true success comes from taking chances and uplifting others.

Clark Family Legacy

Hazel Takes the First Step

An inspiring children’s book that encourages young readers to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

The Impact of Hazel’s Message

Hazel Clark served as the keynote speaker at the 2025 Athene Life Career Expo, where she delivered an inspiring and deeply impactful address to an audience of high school and university students, as well as young professionals. Her authenticity, warmth, and ability to connect on a personal level truly resonated with attendees. Hazel’s message went beyond motivation — she engaged the audience in a meaningful way, sparking thoughtful conversation and leaving many eager to continue the dialogue afterward. She brought both credibility and heart to the stage, making her keynote a standout moment of the event.

Beyond her impressive skill set, Hazel’s collaborative spirit and genuine passion for her work is what truly sets her apart. Working with Hazel never felt transactional—it felt like teaming up with someone equally committed to excellence and impact. I would jump at the opportunity to work with Hazel again and recommend her without hesitation to anyone seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader.

I made sure to catch the keynote speaker, Hazel Clark (OLY) , and I’m so glad I did. She delivered such a powerful message, but one line has stayed with me all day: “A grapefruit is just a lemon that took a chance.” It was a simple reminder of the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Sometimes the best version of ourselves is waiting on the other side of a leap of faith. Whether you’re pivoting careers, picking up a new skill, or just challenging yourself in small ways—it’s always worth taking that chance. Let this be your sign to take the leap.

Hazel reminded us all of the power that comes with reinvention. One quote in particular stopped me in my tracks: “It is when we transition that we are most completely alive.” That line hit me hard — because right now, I feel more alive, driven, and purpose-filled than ever. This next chapter is about building something new, channeling the same discipline and passion that fueled my athletic career into meaningful impact beyond the field.