Roderick

Sewell

Author, athlete, and first bilateral above-the-knee amputee to finish the IRONMAN World Championship

follow:

Roderick

Sewell

Author, athlete, and first bilateral above-the-knee amputee to finish the IRONMAN World Championship

Roderick Sewell II made history in 2019 when—at just 27 years old—he became the first double above-the-knee amputee to complete the IRONMAN World Championship. His journey is a powerful testament to athletic determination, personal triumph, and the power of family, sacrifice, and unshakable will.

Born without tibias in both legs, Sewell’s future was shaped by his mother’s courageous decisions. Before he was two years old, she made the difficult choice to have his legs amputated so he could live an active life. Later, when she couldn’t afford the prosthetics he needed, she quit her Navy job—plunging them into homelessness—so California Children’s Services would cover his care. Through years of living in shelters battling poverty and uncertainty, Sewell credits his mother with instilling in him a deep sense of purpose, gratitude, and resilience.

Sewell’s life changed forever when the Challenged Athletes Foundation gave him his first running blades and helped him begin training as a competitive athlete. Fueled by his mother’s unwavering support and a growing confidence in his identity as a Black disabled athlete, he pursued sports not just as a passion, but as a platform for impact.

Sewell’s memoir, Iron Will: An Amputee’s Journey to Athletic Excellence, tells his powerful story overcoming systemic barriers, fighting for disability rights, and showing the next generation of youth with disabilities that they are seen, capable, and powerful.

A magnetic and sought-after speaker, Sewell captivates audiences with hard-earned lessons on perseverance, the importance of community, and the mindset needed to rise beyond what others believe is possible— embodying his motto, “If you want to go fast, go alone, and if you want to go far, go together.”

Iron Will: Redefining Ability by Turning Obstacles into Opportunity

This powerful talk—based on Roderick Sewell’s memoir, Iron Will: An Amputee’s Journey to Athletic Excellence—traces his extraordinary life story, from growing up homeless to making history as the first bilateral above-the-knee amputee to complete the IRONMAN World Championship.

Sewell shares how shifting his perspective transformed his life, offering strategies for overcoming adversity by changing your mindset, building a strong community, and moving through life with purpose.

Perfect for corporations seeking to inspire their teams, colleges and universities, and youth-focused organizations, this talk leaves audiences energized, empowered, and ready to push beyond perceived limits.

The Power of Inclusion: Building Teams Where Everyone Belongs

In this talk, Sewell offers a fresh and compelling perspective on inclusivity and belonging, drawing from his experience training with the U.S. Paralympic Swim Team and working alongside a diverse group of athletes. These experiences are the foundation of his well-known motto: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Sewell illustrates how true inclusion drives performance—whether in sports, business, or education. It’s a powerful call to action for leaders to lead with empathy, embrace differences, and unlock shared purpose to create meaningful, lasting impact.

From Homeless to Ironman: The Journey of Purpose and Perseverance

Reflecting on his powerful personal journey, Sewell shares moving stories from his childhood in San Diego, including his experiences with homelessness and the life-changing mentorship he received from the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

His story demonstrates how personal perseverance, combined with support from the community, can transform lives.

This talk is ideal for nonprofit organizations, community development groups, and inspirational events seeking to motivate audiences with a message of hope, determination, and the lasting impact of collective support.