Iron Will

An Amputee's Journey to Athletic Excellence

By: Roderick Sewell

Narrated by: Roderick Sewell

The story of the first bilateral above-the-knee amputee to become an IRONMAN champion.

Roderick Sewell II was born without the tibia in both of his legs. Before he turned two years old, his mother, Marian, made the tough choice to have his legs amputated so that he could continue wrestling with his cousins and climbing his grandmother’s good furniture. But when Marian’s modest income couldn’t cover the prosthetics Roderick needed to attend school, she made another impossible decision: to leave her job so that California Children’s Services would pay for Roderick’s prosthetic legs.

Roderick and his mother were left homeless, keeping their long stays in shelters a secret while he learned to swim at the YMCA. All the while, Marian instilled in Roderick the lessons of gratitude, love, and patience to build his confidence in his disability, his identity as a Black boy, and his true passion, sports.

Roderick was still homeless when he met coaches from the Challenged Athletes Foundation. They gave him his running legs, and his life quickly changed for the better. He learned how to challenge his body to become a fierce competitor and athlete—with his mom cheering from the sidelines all the while.

Iron Will is the story of an athlete with an indomitable spirit and proof that a winner’s mindset is about more than physical and mental endurance. It’s about the unique places you can find love, and the rewards of conquering your fears.

Inspiring!

His strength, belief and understanding the importance of the people in your village. I loved it.

Inspiring and uplifting!

This book was an amazing read. I love the relationship between Rodrick and his mother! I love the way he educated the listener/reader on the history of the places he visited. The way his spirit stayed strong and positive through all the difficulties life threw at him. This book is personal and beautiful.

Encouragement for all.

Loved the whole book. Love the historical accounts of the civil rights issues pertaining to African American people. Life challenges seem minuscule when looking at Rodrick’s challenges and how he overcame them by being an outstanding athlete.