What do you do when your body gives out but your spirit refuses to quit?In this powerful and deeply personal talk, Paralympic medalist Jamal Hill shares his journey from being paralyzed at age ten to standing on the world stage as one of Team USA’s top swimmers. Diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular condition that left him with almost no nerve function in his legs, Jamal had every reason to give up. Instead, he found a new kind of power, energy born from stillness, faith, and self-belief.Through humor, vulnerability, and grit, Jamal reminds us that true strength isn’t about speed, medals, or proving our worth. It’s about choosing to believe when everything says you can’t and learning to create energy even when you’re running on empty.Watch this talk to rediscover what’s possible when belief outlasts exhaustion and purpose becomes the fuel that keeps you moving. Jamal Hill is a Paralympic swimmer, social entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to breaking barriers in aquatics, accessibility, and community development. Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Jamal’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and impact. Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular condition, he defied expectations to become a bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and a two-time Team USA Paralympian, now training for LA28.
Beyond the pool, Jamal is the founder of the Swim Up Hill Foundation, a global initiative dedicated to teaching one million people annually how to swim by 2028. His work extends into social enterprise and public service, driving innovation at the intersection of aquatics, non-profits, and technology. His efforts have led to partnerships with organizations like the United Nations, LA County, and global brands, focusing on accessibility, water safety, and education.
Jamal is also the founder of Swim Up Hill Consulting, where he provides expert guidance on aquatics business, accessibility, and community impact. Through consulting, advocacy, and content creation, he amplifies aquatic sports, water safety, and sustainable solutions for organizations worldwide.
Now, as a TEDx Inglewood 2025 speaker, Jamal is bringing his story full circle, sharing how the energy we harness—physically, emotionally, and mentally—shapes our ability to overcome challenges and drive change. From humble beginnings in Inglewood to the global stage, his story embodies the city’s spirit: one of resilience, ambition, and transformation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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