Athletics

Former Penn State wrestler Rohan Murphy will deliver motivational presentation

Motivational speaker and former Penn State wrestler Rohan Murphy will present a free presentation open to the public, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Penn State Beaver gymnasium. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

The public is invited to attend a free presentation by motivational speaker and former Penn State wrestler Rohan Murphy, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Penn State Beaver gymnasium. Murphy, who has no legs, offers a gripping and inspirational story of overcoming adversity and dedicating himself to a purpose-driven life.

Murphy was born with a rare deformity, which required amputation of his legs at the age of 4 but despite his physical challenge, he became a wrestler as a high school freshman. He attended Penn State, where he also wrestled, and became an accomplished powerlifter, competing in international competitions around the world.

Murphy was featured in his own Nike commercial designed to motivate and inspire people to live a healthy, well-balanced life and also has been featured throughout the media, including ABC News and Sports Illustrated.

He has spoken at many middle schools and high schools across the country as well as colleges such as Cornell University, Long Island University, Pacific University, and Stony Brook University. He has also given presentations for a variety of business and corporations, including Northwestern Mutual, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Northrop Grumman, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

For information about the Beaver campus presentation, contact Athletic Director Andy Kirschner, ack121@psu.edu or 724-773-3826. For information about Murphy, visit http://www.rohanmurphy.com.

Last Updated February 6, 2015