The Olympics were a Million-to-One Shot.
The “Rocky” of the Olympics
“Speedy” is a gritty true life story about the pursuit of an impossible dream while seeking authenticity and redemption.
A 21-year-old, second-string soccer player from Houston battles fear, naysayers and serious injury when he takes up the sport of luge with dreams of becoming an Olympian. He makes Olympic history after facing death in the world’s fastest luge track.
Ruben’s story of overcoming incredible challenges on the road to competing in four Olympic Games over the span of four decades goes right into the core of audiences psyche, filling them with the inspiration and self belief they need to face life’s challenges.
“This is an unbelievable Olympic story! Motivating and inspiring.”
Devon Harris – Original Jamaican Bobsled Team – “Cool Runnings”
“Ruben will inspire you to pursue your dream, equip you to get through the struggle, and encourage you on to victory!”
Rudy Ruettiger – Inspiration for the movie “Rudy”
“Adventure, determination, danger, perseverance – this is an unbelievable Olympic story! Ruben is truly invincible!”
Vince Papale – Inspiration for the movie “Invincible”
Opening Scene
Ruben has a terrible crash while training in the St. Moritz, Switzerland track. At the hospital, a French luger tells Ruben to quit because he’s not good enough to compete at the international level.
St. Moritz luge run video.
Speaking to Eat
Right before the Salt Lake City Olympics, a fifth grader from Ruben’s neighborhood asks Ruben to be his show-and-tell project in school. Ruben shares his story at the school and the principal tells him he has a gift and needs to speak for a living.
Three days later, Ruben quits his job selling copiers and starts speaking full time. Ruben’s great on stage but he doesn’t know how to build a business. After struggling for five months, he’s on food stamps and almost loses his family’s home. It’s almost as bad as “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
Ruben realizes he needs a coach. He finds a mentor who shows him how to build a business and after several lean years full of struggle, he’s able to build a successful business.
After a 7 year break from the luge, Ruben begins training for the Vancouver Olympics with the goal of becoming the first person to compete in four Winter Olympics in four different decades.
After St. Moritz Crash
Broken foot. Broken arm.
End of season.
Life and Death at the Olympics
Nodar flying into metal column.
Memorial at Nodar’s crash site.
Gripping End of “Speedy”
The Whistler Luge Track is by far the fastest in the world.
On the last day of official training, just a few hours before the Vancouver Opening Ceremonies and the day before the men’s Olympic race, Nodar Kumaritashvili, of the Georgia Luge Team flies off the track and hits a metal column at 95 MPH.
Everyone is in shock. Ruben, races to honor Nodar by doing what he died trying to do.
When Ruben finishes his race he makes Olympic history by becoming the first person to ever compete in four Winter Olympics each in a different decade.
“Ruben’s story will inspire you to fight for your dream.”
Lou Holtz – Notre Dame Football Coach
Ruben racing the day after Nodar’s crash.
Ruben’s children surprise him after his last run.
Ruben’s Quest to Make Olympic History
Competing in 5 Winter Olympics in 5 Different Decades
Oldest Winter Olympian Ever at 63 Years of Age
1988, 1992, 2002, 2010, 2026
A Hundred-Year-Old Record
The oldest person to ever compete in the Winter Olympics was Carl August Kronlund, a Swedish curler who was 58 at the 1924 Chamonix Olympics.
Ruben is training for the 2026 Milan / Cortina Winter Olympics. He’s sliding better than ever and his coach says he can do it.
Why Is Ruben Doing This?
Ruben hopes that people of all ages will be inspired to pursue their goals and dreams. Together, we can show the world that no matter how old you are, you can still make your life an adventure.
The Chick-fil-A Connection
Ruben’s first job in high school was working at Chick-fil-A #85 in Houston.
Up to that point in his life, Ruben didn’t believe much in himself.
But working at Chick-fil-A for almost four years gave Ruben the confidence that allowed him to pursue is Olympic dream.
In 2022, Chick-fil-A booked Ruben to tell his story at their National Convention. Ruben’s task was to get the Chick-fil-A franchisees to remember why they got into the business and how they make a big difference every day.
Enjoy this 20 minute video.
