‘Iron Will’ An Inspiring Memoir by Paralympian Roderick Sewell
Journeys are meant to inspire, and few swimmers have been as inspiring as Roderick Sewell II.
The Paralympic swimmer was a Pan American Games medalist for Team USA and a three-time national team member.
But his story is much more than the water.
Sewell, with the help of his mother and grandmother, overcame a very tough childhood. Having both legs amputated at the age of 2 led to medical bills and a dire financial situation.
But he and his mother Marian never gave up.
Sewell became the first double amputee to finish an Iron Man competition and he continues to coach and speak about his journey.
He was still homeless in Alabama when he met coaches from the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps athletes with disabilities. They gave him his running legs, and his life quickly changed for the better. He learned how to swim, how to challenge his body, and how to be a fierce competitor and athlete—all with him mom cheering from the sidelines.
Now, he has put his journey to words with a memoir: “Iron Will: An Amputee’s Journey to Athletic Excellence.” The book was released earlier this year by Legacy Lit.
This is a tremendous book that balances the heavy parts of life with a lighter writing style that makes for an easy but inspiring read.
Sewell discusses his family upbringing, struggles as an amputee and how he was able to use swimming to find his place in the athletic world.
This is a must read not just for swimmers, but to anyone ready to be inspired.
It is available on Amazon , Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers.
