Testimonials
Mike Retelsdorf
Head Diving Coach /
Millard Omaha Diving squad
"In this crazy world of athletics, usually the greatest
athletes make the biggest impact on the lives of others. In this case, it only
took a simple miracle and a common man to make me believe. The aftermath of a
great tragedy is rarely ever followed up with a great triumph, until I met
Robert Chandler and became a part of this incredible journey. I have watched him take on the greatest
challenge of all, living a normal life and surviving. This process was long and
grueling one, but the resilience of the human body, even at middle age, along
with his tremendous courage to go beyond normalcy and return to diving has
changed my views on life forever. Thank you Chandler, I will always be grateful
for the opportunity to work with such a fine person, as yourself."
Pete Ricketts
Governor / State of Nebraska
"Your story is inspirational. I applaud you for using your accident and path to recovery as a means to encourage others in the pursuit of their dreams - demonstrating that through hard work and fostering an indomitable spirit, nearly anything is possible.
From Letter dated March 1st, 2018
Emilie Powell
Assisant Diving Coach /
Millard Omaha Diving Squad
"Chandler has been a very inspirational part of our team. His passion for diving and his determination to succeed against staggering obstacles set a fine example for the other divers in our club as well as for friends and competitors in the diving community at large. He is an excellent example of a person who sets a goal and stops at nothing to achieve it. I'm proud to be his coach!
Gerry Dunn
Chairman / USA Master Diving
"Incredible and inspiring Chandler!" I cannot imagine the hardwork and dedication it took to make your come back.
We are proud to have you as part of the USA MASTERS DIVING FAMILY!
Mark Timko
USA Master Diver
"Robert's Chandler story of thriving and not just surviving adversity really puts the relative trivial
challenges of my life in perspective. His resilience an work ethic are truly inspiring.
Chandler's message is especially relevant to today's younger generation who may have
grown up having obstacles removed from their path and never had face a challenge on this scale.
They need to hear his story and understand what real adversity is."
JoAnna Bear
USA Master Diver
I am giving feedback on an amazing motivational speech given at the USA Masters Games Diving Banquet. The speech was presented by Robert Chandler. I first noticed his confidence and honestly as well in sharing his story of recovery and how diving has motivated him to keep going. Going thru a very traumatic experience myself loosing someone in a freak accident one year ago, I felt I could relate to some of the struggles on how diving can be a motivating sport to overcome many different types of life's obstacles. I found his speech motivational as well, because I could tell he spoke from his heart. I could feel the pain he went thru, by his explaining how he fought to get better. I was impressed by his speech and when he got an ovation by the other divers as well, I hope that let him know, he motivated not only me, but a room full of many different types of people. Thank you for the life lesson.
Ed Richmond
Master Diver
Owner / Apexco Management & Holding
If you get the chance to hear Robert Chandler's story, your life will be touched. Overcoming the challenges life throws at your life's journey can be inspirational and Chandler doesn't disappoint.
Pete
Head Coach / Omaha Dive Club
"Chandler started with Omaha Dive Club in our Bellevue location then moved to our team location after a few months of hard work. Seeing the passion for the sport of diving light up in him was a great thing. His first meet competing with ODC was in the 2013 Cornhusker State Games. After competing that day the fire burned even higher. He came right up to me and said"I want to dive in the USA Masters circuit and I want to go as high as I can"! We were all scared when we heard that he was seriously injured. But we are all glad and happy that he fought back and is still doing what he loves. "
Scott Blackwelder
Flat 8-Ball Consulting
"I greatly appreciated how Chandler drew his inspiration to beat his injury from the desire to dive with his son again. I learned that if you want it bad enough, any injury can be overcome. If I am ever faced with an injury again, I will face it head on with optimism and drive and never look back. Absolutely would attend another presentation of Chandler's as his passion and dedication to his family and the sport of diving is truly inspiring.
Jane Ann Cantwell
USA Master Diver
"In attending the 2016 USA Summer Masters National Diving Championships at the USA Masters Games in North Carolina. I had the opportunity to hear Robert Chandler speak at the Masters Games Banquet. His story was very inspirational due to the fact of the injuries he sustained a number of years ago. To be a master diver takes a lot of mental and physical intensity. To want to come back to the sport of his youth, after the type of injury Chandler sustained is in itself a feat. To be middle age, to get back up on the diving board is a very scary feeling. Chandler was such an inspiration due to the fact that he wanted to prove to himself and his son that you have to keep going no matter what happens to you. I also think that he counted his blessings just too still be alive. It's that type of individual motivation that one needs to compete in a sport and to participate in life. People continually put limits on themselves for whatever reasons. The fact that Chandler wanted to move past his accident and begin to show people what is possible is a great lesson to all. I truly feel that Chandler has so much to offer with his story. People need to know that no matter what happens to you, you MUST not be defeated in mind body or soul. Chandler's comeback story does just that...gives you the motivation to keep going and keep dreaming and keep pursuing.
Sincerely
Jane Ann Cantwell
Catherine Schmitting
USA Masters Diver
When I came to my first Masters diving meet, I went to the banquet and began to reflect on my own triumph of competing for the first time after many years of being apart from diving. When Robert got up to speak, however, all personal and drifting thoughts disappeared and all eyes and ears were drawn to his heroic tale. His words were carefully chosen, and emotion came forth intermittently showing his experience was real,recent and very personal.
So many things he said resonated with the people in the room. Though we have not experienced his accident personally, we could relate to overcoming the doubts from others and even from within ourselves. Roberts story is one of great courage and strength. He is a wonderful example of never giving up or giving in and of living each day to the fullest. I am honored to have been there to hear his story firsthand and I plan to retell it whenever someone I know considers giving up. I am grateful that Robert was willing and able to push through the pain of retelling his story so that others could benefit from what he learned through it all.
Thanks, Robert. God bless you. Catherine Schmittling, Masters Diver.