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Episode 104 – A Champion’s Mindset | Roderick Sewell on Resilience and Success


Published: Thursday August 28, 2025
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode one hundred and four featuring roderick sewell listen now

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The Author of ‘Iron Will’ Opens Up About His Paralympic Journey

In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ host Alycia Anderson welcomes Roderick Sewell, an inspirational figure who has shattered barriers and made history as an athlete representing Team USA. Roderick shares his journey from an early childhood marked by disability and living in shelters, to becoming the first bilateral above-knee amputee to compete in the IRONMAN World Championship. He discusses the impact of receiving support from the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the critical support of his single mother, and his rise to elite levels in Paralympic swimming. The episode highlights the importance of community, overcoming fears, and the drive to achieve the seemingly impossible. Roderick’s new book, ‘Iron Will,’ is also introduced, shedding light on his life’s extraordinary journey. Tune in to this motivating story of resilience, support, and relentless ambition.

A Quote from Roderick

If you want to go fast, go alone, and if you want to go far, go together.

~ Roderick Sewell

Big Ideas We Discussed

👶 Roderick Sewell’s Early Life and Challenges

👩 The Power of the Woman

👩‍👦 A Mother’s Sacrifice and Support

🏊 The Role of CAF and Discovering Swimming

🏅 From Paralympic Aspirations to Ironman Accomplishments

🏃 Running Isn’t a Luxury

🦿 Living With Prosthetics: An Everyday Routine

🌍 The Impact of Representation

💪 The Ultimate Challenge & Unreal Finish: Iron Man

😨➡️💥 Face Your Fears, Transform Your Life

🤝 The Power of Togetherness: A Motivational Proverb

✨ Conclusion: Embracing Challenges and Inspiring Others

Key Points on the Clock

00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia

00:25 Meet Roderick Sewell: Making History

01:12 Roderick’s Early Life and Disability

02:46 Discovering Adaptive Sports with CAF

05:24 The Journey to Paralympic Swimming

07:08 A Mother’s Sacrifice and Support

11:12 From Homelessness to Elite Athlete

15:25 The Iron Man Challenge

18:23 Impact and Representation

19:49 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Roderick Sewell

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Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let’s go.