Jeremy Poincenot

Jeremy Poincenot is a professional keynote speaker and blind golf champion known for his advocacy in the disability and sports communities. At age 19, Poincenot was diagnosed with Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a rare genetic disorder that led to the loss of his central vision. Within a few months, he lost central vision in both eyes and became legally blind.

An avid golfer before his diagnosis, Poincenot initially feared he would have to give up the sport. However, with encouragement from his family, he returned to the driving range and resolved to compete again. With his father serving as his guide, Poincenot won the World Blind Golf Championship, securing the title with a dramatic chip-in during a playoff. He has since earned multiple World Championships and National Championships, including victories at the Australian Blind Open and Italian Blind Open, working closely with his father for visual support on the course.

Poincenot has been recognized for his athletic achievements, including being named the San Diego Hall of Champions Challenged Athlete of the Year and inclusion in SigEp's 40 Under 40. Beyond golf, he has dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy research. He co-founded the C.U.R.E. Ride (Cycling Under Reduced Eyesight), an annual fundraising event that has generated significant support for research initiatives.

His story has been featured on ABC's "20/20," ESPN.com, CNN's "Great Big Story," and MTV's "True Life." Poincenot has delivered a TEDx talk, "Seeing the Power of Interdependence," at University of San Diego and has spoken for organizations such as Aflac, Honda, John Hancock, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo. His keynote program, "My Life's a Blur," explores his journey from a fully sighted college student to a legally blind world champion, focusing on themes such as overcoming adversity, the power of interdependence, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Poincenot's work continues to impact audiences in the fields of disability advocacy, sports, and motivational speaking.