Friends – if you’ve ever found yourself in a season of refinement, hardship, and life change (ahem… this would be ALL of us), then you know just how difficult it can be to trust that you will come out on the other side stronger and better than before. But deconstructing limiting beliefs, and identities that no longer serve you is hard work and no one can attest to that better than today’s guest.
Jarryd Wallace is a 3x Paralympian, 4x world record holder, and a bronze medalist in the men’s 200 meters….and also just so happens to be Brittany’s brother. Despite facing a life-changing decision to amputate his leg at only 19 years old, Jarryd turned his adversity into triumph and is now training for his fourth games – the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
In this episode, Brittany and her brother talk about:
• Jarryd’s Remarkable Backstory – Jarryd was a promising high school athlete on track for a college scholarship and a future competing in the Olympics. Then, a routine surgery led to complications that ultimately resulted in the amputation of his leg. For two years, Jarryd fought to save his leg, undergoing numerous procedures and enduring immense physical and emotional pain in the process. The eventual decision to amputate was not easy, but it became a turning point that reshaped his outlook on life including:
• A Shift in Perspective: Following the amputation, Jarryd’s outlook on life underwent a profound transformation! He learned to shift his sense of self-worth from what he could physically achieve to who he was as a person. This emotional healing process was as significant as the physical one, allowing him to find new meaning and purpose beyond his athletic aspirations.
• Journey to the Paralympics: Despite the physical limitations, Jarrd dedicated himself to training and competing at the highest level… AGAIN. His determination and perseverance paid off as he set world records and went on to compete in three Paralympic games - London, Rio and Tokyo, where he won a bronze medal in the men’s 200 meters.
- How is it different competing now that he's a dad? Spoiler alert: it's all about PARTNERSHIP. Jarryd’s wife, Leah, supports him wholeheartedly and steps up in more ways than one during times of preparing for the Olympics (and is the real MVP). Also, we loved Jarryd’s perspective on “perfect parenting” and understanding that part of the growth process for his children is the failing.
- What’s it really like in Olympic Village? – Jarryd gives us the tea on all things Paralympics, from competing in front of thousands of bystanders to living in Olympic Village! Here’s what we learned:
• The food is honestly hit or miss… but hopefully Paris will live up to its reputation for culinary excellence and be a massive improvement!
• The beds are pretty uncomfortable and the shared bathroom situation… it’s givinngggg college dorm. But that’s part of the fun!
• Olympic Village is a lot bigger than you'd expect and he ends up walking an extra 3-4 miles a day ON TOP of all the training he’s doing.
• For the most part English is the most common language spoken, but there's always language barriers between the athletes. Again, it’s all part of the fun and the experience!
• After the games, Olympic Village usually gets turned into housing for the community to bring long term sustainability to that area.
- Advice for Those Feeling Lost – Jarryd offers some powerful advice for anyone currently in a season of dismantling old mindsets and feeling lost. His top pieces of advice:
• Don’t underestimate the power of a positive mindset and attitude. Your thoughts are more powerful than you think.
• Hold onto a dream or goal to keep you looking forward, even when current circumstances feel grim.
• Adopt the perspective of "if my best friend was going through what I'm going through right now, what would I tell them?" and championing yourself like you would champion your best friend.
• Know that you are ABSOLUTELY stronger than you think you are.
Jarryd’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. His journey from amputation to Paralympic glory is inspiration for all of us to chase our dreams, no matter the obstacles!
Follow Brittany at Loverly Grey
Follow Jarryd here
Follow the Paralympics here
Follow Life with Loverly on Instagram
• A Shift in Perspective: Following the amputation, Jarryd’s outlook on life underwent a profound transformation! He learned to shift his sense of self-worth from what he could physically achieve to who he was as a person. This emotional healing process was as significant as the physical one, allowing him to find new meaning and purpose beyond his athletic aspirations.
• Journey to the Paralympics: Despite the physical limitations, Jarrd dedicated himself to training and competing at the highest level… AGAIN. His determination and perseverance paid off as he set world records and went on to compete in three Paralympic games - London, Rio and Tokyo, where he won a bronze medal in the men’s 200 meters.
- How is it different competing now that he's a dad? Spoiler alert: it's all about PARTNERSHIP. Jarryd’s wife, Leah, supports him wholeheartedly and steps up in more ways than one during times of preparing for the Olympics (and is the real MVP). Also, we loved Jarryd’s perspective on “perfect parenting” and understanding that part of the growth process for his children is the failing.
- What’s it really like in Olympic Village? – Jarryd gives us the tea on all things Paralympics, from competing in front of thousands of bystanders to living in Olympic Village! Here’s what we learned:
• The food is honestly hit or miss… but hopefully Paris will live up to its reputation for culinary excellence and be a massive improvement!
• The beds are pretty uncomfortable and the shared bathroom situation… it’s givinngggg college dorm. But that’s part of the fun!
• Olympic Village is a lot bigger than you'd expect and he ends up walking an extra 3-4 miles a day ON TOP of all the training he’s doing.
• For the most part English is the most common language spoken, but there's always language barriers between the athletes. Again, it’s all part of the fun and the experience!
• After the games, Olympic Village usually gets turned into housing for the community to bring long term sustainability to that area.
- Advice for Those Feeling Lost – Jarryd offers some powerful advice for anyone currently in a season of dismantling old mindsets and feeling lost. His top pieces of advice:
• Don’t underestimate the power of a positive mindset and attitude. Your thoughts are more powerful than you think.
• Hold onto a dream or goal to keep you looking forward, even when current circumstances feel grim.
• Adopt the perspective of "if my best friend was going through what I'm going through right now, what would I tell them?" and championing yourself like you would champion your best friend.
• Know that you are ABSOLUTELY stronger than you think you are.
Jarryd’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. His journey from amputation to Paralympic glory is inspiration for all of us to chase our dreams, no matter the obstacles!
Follow Brittany at Loverly Grey
Follow Jarryd here
Follow the Paralympics here
Follow Life with Loverly on Instagram
Learn more about Jarryd and follow his Paralympic events here!