This week, we travel to Canada and talk to Canadian Paralympic rower Jacob Wassermann. Jacob was not always a para-athlete. He was once a goalie for the Humboldt Broncos, a Canadian junior "A" ice hockey team from Humboldt, Saskatchewan. In 2018, the Broncos were traveling to a playoff game in Nipawin when the team bus collided with a semi-truck. This incident changed Jacob, the Broncos, and the city of Humboldt forever.

Jacob's recovery journey has been one of incredible resilience and inspiration. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, Jacob found a new path in the sport of rowing. His determination and spirit led him to embrace this new challenge, ultimately earning a spot on the Canadian 2024 Paralympic Rowing Team.

In this episode, Jacob shares his story of recovery, the support he received, and how he discovered rowing. From the tragedy that forever changed his life to finding hope and purpose in a new sport, Jacob's journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit. As always, thank you for your support and it's a good day to be a Bronco.

Jacob Wassermann

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@maddywassermann

@humboldtbroncossjhl

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_Broncos

www.humboldtbroncos.com

Every 4 Years Podcast

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This week on the "Every 4 Years" Podcast, we are honored to have Anita Alvarez, a 3-time Olympian for the US in Artistic Swimming (formerly known as Synchronized Swimming).

Imagine being known more for a photo capturing one of your lowest moments than for your incredible achievements as a world-renowned athlete. That's Anita's story. At the 2022 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Anita fainted in the pool at the end of her solo free routine and sank to the bottom. Her coach, Andrea Fuentes, heroically jumped in to rescue her. From this near-death experience to her remarkable journey of qualifying for her third Olympics in Paris, we cover it all.

Anita's journey in Artistic Swimming began early. She competed in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials as a 14-year-old. Her passion for the sport runs in the family; her mom competed in the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials with her duet and placed 7th.

We also explore Anita's personal connection to the iconic 1980 Olympic "Miracle on Ice" hockey game in Lake Placid, NY, through her grandfather. Join us as we dive deep into the resilience, determination, and inspiring story of Anita Alvarez. This is an episode you will want to listen to over and over. Thank you for tuning in to the "Every 4 Years" Podcast, where we bring you the stories that define Olympic greatness.

Anita Alvarez

Instagram: @anitaaalvarez

Every 4 Years Podcast

Instagram: @every4yearspodcast

Twitter: @every4yearspodcast

Facebook: @every4yearspodcast

This week, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jake Williams, a remarkable individual whose resilience and dedication have defined his path to greatness.

Join us as we sit down with Jake Williams, a 2-time Paralympian and 2-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA. At just 16 years old, Jake's life took an unexpected turn when he was struck by a car while riding his bike, leaving him paralyzed. Amidst the challenges of recovery, Jake found renewed hope and purpose through wheelchair basketball, inspired by a visit from Chris Okon, a player from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Against all odds, Jake remarkably took up wheelchair basketball only four months after his life-altering accident. His journey is a testament to the power of determination and hard work, demonstrating the profound impact of believing in oneself and striving relentlessly towards excellence.

As Jake prepares for the upcoming Summer Paralympics in Paris, we explore the highs and lows of his athletic career, the lessons learned along the way, and the unwavering support that has fueled his remarkable achievements. Jake's story is not just about overcoming adversity—it's about embracing challenges, pushing boundaries, and inspiring others with every hoop he sinks and every medal he wins.

Tune in to this episode as we celebrate Jake's journey, his unyielding spirit, and the profound message that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible. Thank you for joining us on the "Every 4 Years" Podcast, where we bring you the stories that define the heart of the Paralympic movement.

Jake Williams

Instagram: @jakeusa2

Facebook: @jakewilliams

Every 4 Years Podcast