“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”
– Rocky Balboa
Rocky knew something about winning. And so do the writers and subjects of these eight articles. These inspirational men and women are winners in every sense. Each of these individuals has had to deal with a large helping of adversity in their lives. Yet each is an example to us all, using their sports to move forward every step of the way with courage, positivity, and passion. And that’s how winning is done.
The Strength to Survive: Cancer’s Nothin’ – I Do CrossFit (Cheryl Stoppiello)
I love my CrossFit Murdock family. I know the strength and endurance I achieved from the six solid months I was going there saved my life through this journey known as breast cancer.
Hey, Protein Powder Boy – Suck It Up and Work Harder! (Richard Ham Williams)
Proper strength training also happens to build strength of mind, aka willpower. Do you have what it takes to build mind and body or will you stay a weeping willow?
The Paralympic Games: Changing Perceptions, Popularity Still Challenged (Danette “Dizzle” Rivera)
Oscar Pistorius opened my eyes to the Paralympics. I was embarrassed to realize I knew little about them and was amazing at the adaptive sports and level of athleticism the competition hosts.
Friday Flicks: Ryley Batt and Wheelchair Rugby (Breaking Muscle HQ)
Along with the Olympic Games in London this summer comes the Paralympics. One of the most exciting sports there is wheelchair rugby and the sport’s biggest star is Ryley Batt.
Swimming with Cystic Fibrosis (Hannah Caldas)
Being 29 and having cystic fibrosis is a feat in and of itself, but Jamina Winston is also a swimmer. Living with CF, diabetes, and hospitalization doesn’t stop her from doing what she loves.
How Yoga Found Me and Carried Me Through Cancer (Mahala Grant-Grierson)
Yoga found me and gave me breath during the hardest year of my life. I lost everything, but I found yoga and found myself again. Now, I am a teacher so I can give back to others.
Duane Stevenson: Coach, Athlete, One Tough Monster (Valerie Worthington)
Duane Stevenson coaches from his crutches and fights from his wheelchair, and he feels like a lucky man. Learn about Duane, his MMA school, and what he really teaches people.
Interview with Mature Athlete Bill Vick: How I’m Beating IPF Disease (Tom Kelso)
At the age of 74, Bill was diagnosed with a deadly disease, but he still runs, swims, lifts, and enters races. He credits being active and eating paleo for being able to stop his prescription drugs.
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Stoppiello.
