Speaker

Eiserner Franke - Bernhard Nuss

"From Near Death to a World Record"

Bernhard Nuss is one of Germany’s best-known extreme athletes and ultra-triathletes. A near-death experience fundamentally changed his life and led him to endurance sports in 2001. At the age of 51, he switched to triathlon – completing 100 Ironman distances within ten years as well as numerous double, triple and ultra-distance events around the world. In 2019, the “Iron Franconian” set an extraordinary world record by completing 66 Ironman distances in a single year. Today, Bernhard Nuss transfers his experiences from extreme sports to business and everyday life. In his authentic and inspiring keynotes, he demonstrates how mental strength, resilience, clear goals and a consistent plan can help people overcome even seemingly impossible challenges. Bernhard Nuss stands for willpower, endurance and the conviction: Nothing is impossible.

Rates

Vita

From Near Death to a World Record

Bernhard Nuss is an ultra-triathlete and one of Germany’s best-known extreme athletes. Until the early 1990s, he enjoyed a successful career in sales, before a near-death experience fundamentally changed his life. In 2001, he discovered endurance sports, initially through cycling and running.

Nothing is impossible

At the age of 51, after a long-distance running career, Bernhard switched to triathlon. Over the following ten years, he completed 100 Ironman distances by 2022. Before long, a single Ironman distance was no longer enough: he successfully competed in double, triple, fivefold and even tenfold long-distance events around the globe. A tenfold Ironman means 38 km of swimming, 1,800 km of cycling and 422 km of running.

In 2019, he set an extraordinary world record by completing 66 Ironman distances in a single year, earning him the nickname “The Iron Franconian.”

Motivation driven by passion

Bernhard Nuss’s keynotes are authentic, motivating and inspiring. He demonstrates how he has remained focused on his goals and consistently followed his path, even through the most extreme challenges. His life is a powerful example of how ambitious goals can be achieved through the right mindset, resilience and a clear master plan.

Why “The Iron Franconian” is the perfect speaker for your event

Motivational keynotes that inspire people and create lasting impact
Extreme athlete and world record holder with exceptional mental strength
An authentic life story shaped by a near-death experience
Strong digital presence and extensive reach
A powerful motivator for professional and personal challenges

Experience a keynote that inspires, energizes and moves people. Bernhard Nuss stands for willpower, endurance and mental strength – authentic, motivating and captivating from beginning to end.

“Strength is not built by winning. It is built through hardship, when you decide not to surrender.”

Topics

Motivation Mental Strength Begeisterung Resilience High Performance Success Inclusion Courage Sports Self-Development

Nothing is Impossible – How Do I Achieve My Goal?

Goals need clarity:
Why a strong and clearly defined goal is the foundation for extraordinary achievements.
Plan B and C make the difference:
How alternative strategies help you stay on course even when facing setbacks.
Develop mental strength:
Master challenges through resilience, willpower and the right mindset.
Push beyond your limits:
Why perseverance and believing in yourself are often more important than talent.
From extreme sports to business:
What leaders and teams can learn from more than 200 competitions, 100 Ironman distances and a world record.

Three Keynote Variations

Social Impact

Turn challenges into opportunities
Develop courage and confidence
Take responsibility for yourself and others

Sports & Performance

Develop mental strength
Recognize and push beyond personal limits
Demonstrate perseverance in the face of setbacks

Business & Leadership

Set clear goals and pursue them consistently
Stay capable of action with Plan B and Plan C
Apply resilience and mental strength to business challenges

References & Press

Sporting Achievements

1 Bosphorus crossing – swimming 6.5 km from Asia to Europe
2 climate-neutral environmental tours from Nuremberg to Gibraltar
4 × 24-hour swimming events – personal best: 28 km
8 amateur cycling races, including the HEW Cyclassics
29 ultramarathons, including the Deutschlandlauf
52 marathons, including the New York City Marathon
66 Ironman distances in 2019 – World Record
100 Ironman distances in total between 2012 and 2022

Selected Corporate References & Events

12.min.me Nuremberg, 12.min.me Ulm, Südwestpark Nuremberg, Inclusion Day Augsburg, BVMID Nuremberg, Lions Germany, Lions Club Altdorf, Rotary Club Nuremberg, Unternehmertag Dinkelsbühl, Inviva Nuremberg, Volleyball 2nd Bundesliga Schwaig, VfL Wolfsburg Women’s Football

TV & Media

Selected Testimonials

“Bernhard Nuss succeeded in captivating the audience from the very first moment to the last. With great authenticity and openness, he shared his personal life story […]. He created an extraordinary arc of suspense by combining his personal experiences with his outstanding achievements as an ultra-triathlete. […] The keynote was equally inspiring, motivating and moving. Bernhard Nuss impressed not only with his extraordinary life story, but also with his likeable, credible and approachable personality.” Dr. Michael M. Wengler, President 2026/27

“Mr. Nuss delivered an extremely motivating and inspiring keynote that impressed both in terms of content and his engaging presentation style. With great expertise, practical relevance and genuine enthusiasm, he captivated the participants and provided valuable insights. […] His keynote was not only informative but also had a lasting impact, leaving a very positive impression on everyone present.” Alexander Launer, Hornets Schwaig

“Bernhard Nuss, affectionately known in the sports community as the ‘Iron Franconian’, tells his story in such an authentic and relatable way that you are captivated from the very first minute. Particularly valuable is the way he transfers these extreme experiences to the business context. […] He uses his experiences to demonstrate how to deal with major setbacks, build resilience and reinvent yourself after coming to a complete standstill. […] A great, approachable speaker who inspires deeply without lecturing – an absolute asset for entrepreneurs, leaders and every team!” Gerald Schmidt, Ambassador BVMID

“His keynote inspired the entire audience with remarkable authenticity. With clear thoughts and personal insights, he opened up inspiring perspectives that can be applied to everyday business, professional careers and private life. […] You can clearly sense how much passion and commitment Bernhard Nuss brings to what he does, how effortlessly he connects with the audience and inspires everyone with his personality. A keynote that leaves a lasting impression and encourages further reflection.” Daniel Pfaller, Managing Director, Südwestpark Nuremberg

“With great openness, authenticity and emotional strength, Bernhard Nuss spoke about his extraordinary journey, personal setbacks, his fight back to life and the importance of never losing hope. His story is not only inspiring, but above all human, honest and full of courage. […] This is exactly what makes Bernhard Nuss so special as a speaker: he reaches people on an emotional level and succeeds in evoking genuine thoughts and feelings. […] For many people, his keynote was one of the emotional highlights of the day.” Patricia Stuhler, Pflegeteam Stuhler GmbH